Emperor of the Ice: How a Changing Climate Affects a Penguin Colony
Fall in Antarctica begins in April, when Emperor penguins gather on the sea ice to breed. A particular female penguin journeys to Halley Bay to find a mate and lay an egg. Once she does, she returns to the ocean to feed and regain strength while her mate keeps the egg warm over several weeks. In July the female come back to raise her chick, tag-teaming with her mate to keep the young penguin warm and hunt for its food. But the next year, climate change has altered Halley Bay; it’s no longer a safe place to lay an egg. This penguin and others must find a new place to breed where the sea ice is still reliable. An ending that feels intentionally ambiguous (the female “has found a new place to raise a chick, where the sea ice can be trusted. … At least for now.”) serves to both sound an alarm and offer some hope. Final notes provide more information about Emperor penguins, climate change, and what people might do to effect positive change. Stunning mixed media illustrations evoke the dramatic natural setting where the penguin colony raises their young. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Catherine Rayner
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4–8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Informational)
Birds (Informational)
Climate Change
Environmental Challenges
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 24
ISBN: 9781536228397
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 598 Davies