The Glaciers are Melting!

By: Donna Love
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Publication ate: March 2011
ISBN: 978-1607181361
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: April 2011

Peter Pika was nestled under a boulder on the top of a mountain when all of a sudden a huge droplet of water slid down from the glacier above and plopped onto his head. Peter was stunned and thought to himself, “The glaciers are melting … the glaciers are melting?” He began to wonder what would happen to him and where he could possibly live if his habitat disappeared. There was nothing left to do but go and seek out the wise old Mountain Monarch and ask for advice. On his way he chanced to meet Tammy Ptarmigan as she perched on an outcropped rock. He repeated his story to her and Tammy too became startled and wondered if she would “still turn white in winter.” It was cause for alarm and they both set off in search of the Mountain Monarch.

Sally Squirrel spotted them on their journey and asked where they were headed. Tammy Ptarmigan chirped, “The glaciers are melting!” There was a little snow surrounding the troupe, but even Sally wondered where she would sleep during the winter and decided that she too would go in search of the Mountain Monarch. The Mountain Monarch was a bighorn sheep who could survey the land from his high vantage point on the mountain top. As they continued on their journey exclaiming about the melting of the glaciers, they encountered Mandy Marmot, Harry Hare, and Wiley Wolverine, all of whom were fearful of what might happen if the glaciers melted. Just what would happen if their habitat disappeared? Would the Mountain Monarch have an answer for them or was it too late?

This is an excellent way for the young student to learn about how the melting of the glaciers will potentially destroy the habitat of many species. The animals portrayed in this book, the ground squirrel, marmot, pika, snowshoe hare, white-tailed ptarmigan, wolverine, and the Dall sheep could potentially disappear from Alpine areas if global warming continues. The artwork was stunning and very detailed, thus enabling the young student to get close up views of the animals. This book, on many levels, could lead to a school report on an assortment of topics. The story, told in the manner of The Sky is Falling, does have a ring of truth to it, unlike the fictional fairy tale. In the back of the book is an expansive six page spread of learning activities that can be utilized in the homeschool or classroom setting. Additional cross-curricular activities for parents and teachers can be found on the publisher’s website.

Quill says: This charming, but alarming tale of alpine animals who may lose their habitat as the glaciers begin to melt is an excellent way for the young student to learn about global warming and its effect on Earth’s wildlife.