All about Antarctica by Marc Martin

Award-winning Australian creative Marc Martin has written and illustrated a striking non-fiction picture book about one of the coldest places on Earth, Antarctica. This book is an incredible visual journey of adventure and learning, while travelling through this mysterious and stunning continent. With everything covered from general information about Antarctica, to clothing and accessories required, research stations and scientific research, transportation,  ice, icebergs and glaciers, relaxation and recreation, field work, food and waste, marine life, penguins, birdlife, extraordinary species, natural wonders, Antarctic explorers, fossils, forests and meteorites, climate change and the introduction and removal of animals from the area, this book is a treasure trove of facts for all readers to enjoy. For example, if you are out in the field, you need to carry a pee bottle as there is no peeing in the snow! And continuing with the human waste theme, pee and poo are treated on larger stations with wastewater treatment plants, which pump treated water back into the ocean and ship waste off the continent. This is to keep the Antarctic environment pristine.

The appealing and tactile front cover is a hook for all with the back endpapers providing a humorous touch. The colourful illustrations are clearly labelled with snapshots of information easily accessible for young readers spread amongst them on every page. There is so much to learn about Antarctica and this fascinating book would be a wonderful gift for a budding young scientist or child with a thirst for adventure. Perfect for adults too!

Themes: Journey, Adventure, Antarctica, Habitats, Environments, Conservation, Animals, Scientific Enquiry, Pictorial Guide.

Kathryn Beilby