Pika: Life in the Rocks

by Tannis Bill, Jim Jacobson (Photographer)

The pika survives where life is rocky. A male pika scurries across a stone pile high in the mountains. He nips leafy twigs off bushes and piles them in the shelter of a rocky den. This hamster-size cousin of the rabbit builds a hay pile as big as a bathtub. In the winter, he feeds on his hay pile, tunnels through the snow for lichens, and pops out for low-growing plants. The story of how the pika avoids predators, survives the cold, and sings for a mate will enthrall young readers. Tannis Bill's simple text makes the true story of the pika accessible to all. Jim Jacobson's stunning photographs capture the pika in the act of living naturally.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Science, Picture Books, Childrens, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follows a North American pika through a year of its life introducing its habitat, food, predators, and characteristics. The back of the book includes further information.

Pika's are such cute animals I can easily see this book quickly becoming a cute animal fan's favorite. The text is kept brief and to the point and is in a nice large font for beginning readers or kids with reading challenges. Captivating photographs dominate each page. A nice nonfiction option for animal lovers and those looking for animals a little more unusual.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice photos and plot about a pika and its life. I knew next to nothing about these creatures, but was impressed by all the work they do to have enough food throughout the winter. Because I said "pika" so many times when reading this book aloud, I also came to the realization that "Pikachu" is probably a pika!

[Giselle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because of the great photography work of the little pika. The author also did a great job of explaining where a pika lives, what they do, how they live and gather their food. I was planning on using it during a storytime but ran out of time.
I will come back to it when I have a rocks theme with older kids.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple children’s book (likely best for grades 1-2) with facts, and beautiful photographs, of the Pika. Very little text, but it speaks about the life of the Pika in the Rocky Mountains. I love it for the amazing images and that it brings awareness of the species.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met photographer Jim Jacobson on one of our adventures in Canada years ago. When I came home I looked him up and sure enough...here was a book of his pika photos. So charming are these little creatures. I can see why he too was enthralled enough to photograph them. Lovely read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, easy to read, day in the life of a Pika. Accompanied by photographs. Complete with maps and facts in the back.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story and cute pictures. My kid thought it was OK.

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year in the life of a pika living high in the Rocky Mountains is told in simple text and Jim Jacobson's sharp color photos. The tiny relative of the rabbit spends most of his year collecting a hay pile of food in preparation for winter while watching carefully for natural predators, weasels and hawks. Appendices include facts about the pika and other lagomorphs, pika predators, a glossary, and resources for further reading. Simple but lovely, this book will appeal to young animal lovers.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me want to scream "PIKACHU!" every time I see the photograph of the pika with its little pink mouth wide open. Of course *they* don't say this. Their alarm call is more "Eee! Eee!" This introduction to pikas is intriguing. Readers will learn all about how pikas make hay for the winter, reproduce, and keep themselves safe from predators. Related to rabbits, they seem like tough little spitfires with HUGE personality. I hope to meet some in person someday.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so my son knows what a pika is, but I had never heard of them. Another animal whose habitat is becoming scarce due to global warming. Excellent photos and simple text make this a great choice for beginner readers.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting little book, with lovely pictures. The most interesting part to me was the back matter that told more about the pika, its connection to rabbits and other animals, and its changing habitat. what an interesting little creature!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple information about a cute creature. Lovely pictures.

[Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although, missing images of the Pika babies and a map. This book will interest students who are animal lovers. The photographs are great and the text is good.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at the library today. It was SO CUTE!!!!