24 Hours on the Tundra

“The sun is low in the sky. The thermometer is frozen solid. . . . Welcome to springtime on the tundra!” Addressing the reader directly, this engaging volume explores the features of this frigid environment over the course of a single day. The book, split into five different sections, begins at dawn, describing the meteorological and geological forces that give the tundra its appearance. It continues through morning, afternoon, and evening, explaining how a variety of plants and animals are able to thrive under tough conditions. As the sun sets just after midnight, readers reach a small town. There they meet native Inupiat of northern Alaska and learn of a lifestyle that blends modern and traditional survival tools and techniques. Occasional sidebars offer additional facts, and stunning photographs show tundra conditions and some of the flora and fauna that live there. Back matter includes a map, “Fast Facts about the Arctic Tundra,” a glossary, book and Web-site suggestions for further reading, and an index.