This book list was inspired by My Antarctica: True Adventures in the land of mummified seals, space robots, and so much more by G. Neri. I didn’t have a place for this book in my blog but I couldn’t not include such a beautiful book, so I trucked to the library to make a book on Antarctica.
As much as it pains me, I am giving away my copy of My Antarctica: True Adventures in the land of mummified seals, space robots, and so much more by G. Neri just to practice sharing. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom. Thank you to Candlewick Press for sending me this copy!
17 Amazing Children’s Books on Antarctica
Ten Animals in Antarctica: A Counting Book by Moira Court
I love the cut-paper illustrations that depict ten animals that live in the Antarctic. The back matter has more details on both the animals and the South Pole. [picture book ages 2 and up]
The Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica by Jonathan London, illustrated by Julie Olson
Learn how Emperor penguin parents co-parent as they raise a little penguin. Sadly, these majestic birds may be close to extinction due to global warming in the next 100 years. Pair this book with The Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Pickle and Penguin by Lawrence David, illustrated by Scott Nash
Filled with pickle humor, a talking pickle takes a trip to Antarctica and makes a new penguin friend who returns to NYC with Pickle and quickly gets lost. Luckily, the Statute of Liberty proves to be very helpful. It’s a strange little book but that’s also its appeal. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Except Antarctica! by Todd Sturgell
Young readers who like funny books will love the silly antics of a turtle and his animal friends determined to get to Antarctica after learning that their species does not live there. After reaching their destination, they learn why. The end matter introduces animals that do live in Antarctica (though an Emperor penguin would like to explore the turtle’s world). Despite the breezy tone, this picture book is packed with information! [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Antarctic Antics: A Book of Penguin Poems by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey
Celebrate the Emperor penguins and other animals in the Antarctic in this lively book of poetry sure to captivate kids! [poetry picture book, ages 4 and up]
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donalson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
A sweet rhyming adventure of Jonty Gentoo, a penguin in a zoo, who decides to travel to the South Pole to see his ancestral home in Antarctica but winds up in the wrong place. He does make it down to the South Pole with a little help from his new friends. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
A Trip to the Bottom of the World With Mouse by Frank Viva
For those who want a hint of what it is like to travel to the Antarctic with a minimum of words, this graphic novel picture book is perfect! Mouse and his friend see a yellow-eyed penguin, a fairy penguin, a macaroni penguin, a king penguin, and a killer whale. [graphic novel picture book, ages 5 and up]
The Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Catherine Rayner
Learn the challenges Emperor Penguins face when rearing their young. Every step is difficult and dangerous and yet mother and father Emperor Penguin perseveres. With climate change, these majestic birds need our help. The back matter explains why and what we can do. [nonfiction picture book, ages 6 and up]
Sophie Scott Goes South by Alison Lester
What is it like to visit the Antarctic today? Alison Lester took a trip and chronicled it from the eyes of a child in this informative and charming picture book. Sophie’s father is the captain of an ice break ship that will deliver supplies and transport people to Mawson Station in the Antarctic. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
Dear Polar Bears by Gabrielle Prendergast, illustrated by Marcus Cutler
Polar bears all over the world are invited by the penguins in Antarctica to come for a visit to celebrate the winter solstice. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the land of mummified seals, space robots, and so much more by G. Neri
G. Neri takes the reader on his adventure as he lives and explores Antarctica. Even the mundane is exciting; G. Neri explains the different places he might visit at McMurdo Station. He lives with scientists as well as support staff such as dishwashers, janitors, firefighters, and a barber. G. Neri shares the wonder of his experience and it’s certain to fascinate readers. It might even inspire some to follow in his footsteps. [nonfiction graphic novel picture book, ages 7 and up]
Shackleton’s Journey by William Grill
This is a beautifully illustrated and designed book that details Shackleton’s life and journey to explore the Antarctic. It was an adventure for the ages, ending with a successful rescue after his ship was crushed by ice. Amazingly, none of Shackelton’s team perished! Learning about Edward Shacklton’s expedition makes the reader realize how inhospitable the Antarctic can be during the winter. [nonfiction picture book, ages 7 and up]
Magic Tree House Merlin Missions: Eve of the Emperor Penguin by Mary Pope Osborne
Jack and Annie are on a four-book quest to save Merlin from a mysterious illness. This final saga takes them to the Antarctic where they solve clues and help an orphaned baby Emperor penguin. Will this be enough to save Merlin? [chapter book, ages 6 and up]
Boxcar Children: The Shackleton Sabotage created by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Alden children travel to Australia and Antarctica to return precious artifacts and must stay one step ahead of the Argents. But they suspect one of their pilots is in on the plot to steal their artifacts. Who can they trust to return the final artifact that belongs to Shackleton, the explorer? [chapter book, ages 7 and up]
The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Sbow and Courage by Chris Kurtz
This is an odd but charming story of a pig who wants to be a sled pig. She ends up in Antarctica where she finally gets the chance to prove herself after the boat she is on is shipwrecked. She assembles a motley crew of friends, both human and animal, that help her achieve her sled pig dreams. [middle grade, ages 7 and up]
Jack and the Geniuses at the Bottom of the World by Bill Nye and Gregory Mone
This has a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibe to it but with an eccentric scientist inventor, foster children “siblings”, and a million-dollar prize for a desalination invention. Two of the foster siblings are STEM geniuses and the other one, Jack, has street smarts. Together, they can solve any mystery including finding Dr. Anna Donatelli who has gone missing in Antarctica. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]
Shackleton’s Endurance: An Antarctic Survival Story by Joanna Grochowicz
For readers who like realistic fiction, this is a blow-by-blow recounting of Shackleton’s antarctic adventure. It is a real testament to his determination, courage, and endurance. [middle grade, ages 10 and up]
My Antarctica by G. Neri GIVEAWAY!
I am giving away my copy of My Antarctica: True Adventures in the land of mummified seals, space robots, and so much more by G. Neri just to practice sharing. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. I can only mail to U.S. and A.F.O. addresses.
p.s. Related posts:
20 Action Adventure Books for 13-Year-Old Boy
11 Great Fantasy Adventure Books for Kids
10 Great Adventure Books for Kids!
Riordan-Like Hindu Mythology Adventure Series!
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Great selection of Antarctica books.
Antarctica is amazing – my 7th continent and I got there in 2022! These books will inspire others to take the voyage – thanks for sharing them.
The Adventures of TinTin
I’d like to read more about Antarctica, although I don’t believe I’d care to travel there! Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica by Sara Wheeler was an excellent and informative read.
I love all of these books and would love to win a copy of each for my grandchildren ages 3 months & up.