Reindeer

by Dee Phillips

It's winter on the Arctic tundra. As a blizzard blows around them, a herd of reindeer is searching for food. The land is covered with snow, but the hungry deer know how to find a meal. Using their hard hooves, they dig down through the snow to find moss to eat. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about reindeer and how their bodies are adapted to the extreme cold, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as describing a reindeer to someone who has never seen one will give readers a chance to gain, insights beyond the facts and figures.

Genres: Nonfiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Sails and Scales]

This review also published by The Children's Book and Media Review run by Brigham Young University.

In this book of facts and photographs, basic information is presented so that readers can learn about reindeer. Also known as caribou, these animals live in the arctic. The book discusses how reindeer find their food, the type of climate they live in, their herds, mating season, how they stay warm in the winter, what kinds of foods they eat, and how the reindeer calves grow and develop. At the back of the book, there is a science lab for children to discover how reindeer hooves help the animals to walk in soft, deep snow and definitions of some of the words from the book.

While this book is very basic in its information, it still gives a lot of knowledge that readers may not know about reindeer in just a few words and pages. In the back of the book, the author lists some resources so that interested students and teachers will be able to find more information to build on their knowledge. One of the biggest strengths of the book is the high-quality, close-up photographs of reindeer that will help children become more familiar with these animals. Reindeer is a great introduction for young readers to learn more about the arctic and one of the animals that lives there.

[Paula]

Provides an introduction to the habitat, location, physical characteristics, diet, behavior, seasonal changes, and reproduction and life cycle of reindeer, using question bubbles to enhance curiosity and narrative skills as readers are, usually, led to the answer on the following page. In this title, however, two questions require the reader to turn to the end of the book to find the answer. The uncluttered layout, large font, and attractive, well-chosen photographs (with useful captions) enhance the accessibility of the text. The information is presented in an easy to understand manner with difficult words highlighted and defined (with pronunciation guides) in the Glossary. Additional end material includes a "Science Lab" that provides guidance and information on conducting a brief science experiment to learn more about how a reindeer's hooves help it walk on soft, deep snow. Geared towards grades 1-3, this is a more than adequate title about a popular seasonal animal.

[Lynn]

Many close up photos show real reindeer - which may be shock to some youngsters! The "Science Lab" to explore how their hooves keep them from sinking into the snow is a good activity for youngsters.
I do wish "taiga" was included in the list of "Science Words" in the back - I never remember how to pronounce it! And, even a tiny reference to the Christmas tradition would be nice!

[curiouskat_books]

Nice information and my kid really liked the pictures.

[Helen]

This is an excellent book to introduce readers of all ages to the reindeer, an Arctic animal. It includes good pictures, a map, critical thinking questions, a science lab, a glossary, and an index! The only obvious mistake is that the map does not indicate northern Norway as a place where reindeer live.