Heat Waves, by Trudy Becker

 Publication Jan. 1, 202

I've got to admit, that cover thermometer photo sure brought back memories. After spending most of my life in sunny Florida, it was temps like this that prompted my final decision to move north to Alaska and cooler (okay, occasionally frigid) temperatures. It didn't help that the frequent lightning storms that often accompany such temps blew up my A-C on one of those triple digit days. As the book says, the heat doesn't go away, either, when you're in the midst of a heat wave.

This short, quick read designed for K-1 level does an excellent job of describing what a heat wave is to young readers. Yes, heat can make you sick. While I might wish the book had offered a few more suggestions on how to maybe not totally beat the heat but stay at least more comfortable in it, given the target audience it does its job of hitting the basics. The color photos do a good job of helping convey the sense of heat, too. Thanks #NorthStarEditions for this early peek and the reminder for me to appreciate the comparative coolness of Alaska all the more. There's also a glossary (illustrated), table of contents, and index to help guide young readers. 

Winter(Season to Season), by Kirsty Holmes

 

Publication Jan. 1, 2026

Ah, winter. A season we know well here in Alaska. Gotta admit, I chuckled when the text noted most season last about three months as, well, winter in Alaska tends to last much longer. That said, the text is accurate that the average winter/season lasts about three months, just not in Alaska. Wherever it takes place, each season has its own unique characteristics, weather, even celebrations and animal life. The pictures used are relatively straight forward, tending to be colorful with abundant blurbs/bubbles of more info. Words in bold print can be found in the glossary for a short, easy to understand definition. As one whose winters tend to be long, I definitely smiled at the inclusion of warm clothing items suggested to keep warm. Having once lived in Florida, it's easy to underestimate how cold "cold" is in northern areas, trust me. 

While more informative than story, explaining what winter is rather than the experience of winter life as a whole, I liked the inclusion of not just animals and how some survive frigid temperatures, but the various special holidays or events of the season. It was nice to see not just the well known holidays of, say, Christmas and Hanukkah noted but other less known celebrations from around the world and how each might be celebrated. Again, photos included for each bit of information. There is also a table of contents and index in addition to the previously mentioned glossary. Thanks #NorthStarEditions - #MapleBay for this early peek at this colorful look at the season I'm currently living, wintertime Alaska. I can assure you it was nice to see the subtle hint that like all seasons, this one, too, will end and new plant life and activity will begin. 

Fascination with Alaska: Beyond the Alaskan Cruise Naturalist, by William B Stickle

Your rating of the book is largely going to depend upon what you were looking for when you open it up. While it's solid on information shared, it wasn't quite what I was expecting simply based on the title. First, I should probably mention that I live in Alaska. As such, much of the info was known to me at least in a passing fashion. Not that I go around memorizing statistics. I have to admit that I was looking for more of a book on the mystic, the magic, the allure of Alaska. You know. The part likely to fascinate the average person. Perhaps with an ample dose of snow adventures, moose and bear encounters, and the aurora dancing overhead. What I got was thorough information on its history and geography, plus it's peoples and the impact of various government's involvement, and Native Alaskan rulings and issues. Don't get me wrong, things like volcanoes, the Ring of Fire, earthquakes and tsunamis, climate change and it's impact, and much more are there and well handled. All detailed factually and briefly with no effort to elaborate. So, if you're looking for a relatively brief overview of all things Alaska, this is the book for you. If you're expecting more of a fun story, perhaps not.

Personally, after my initial disappointment, I was pleased to see how up-to-date and fair the author handled the various issues tackled. It was fun to read about places I've been, especially my glacier viewing jaunts. Let's just say, what you see on the surface of that incredible blue ice pack is only a small part of the whole. And, the whole includes decades of natural geographic activity interacting with the terrain. An explanation of not just what causes a tsunami, for instance, is tied nicely to the volcanic action of the area, including under the seas. Having viewed the mountain ranges discussed, it was intriguing to be reminded how natural forces shaped them and the areas we Alaskans now populate. I was also glad to see an even handed, albeit brief discussion of, say, the extraction of oil and the impact of that industry on the Native population. It was also good so see ample space given to the various larger groups of Native peoples, even taking time to note the Yupik dance style that relies on little lateral movement but instead on the movement of arms and upper bodies to convey emotion and story. 

Bottom line, while not what I expected, I still found the book a satisfying, informational read. It was rather cool to see the name William Bligh pop up. I did know his role in the Cook Exploration but had forgotten, so this one definitely stirred the ol' brain cells to action. Bligh was Cook's cartographer, btw. And, being animal oriented, the chapter dealing with the various wildlife was a plus. Thanks #AtmosphericPress for allowing me to read this quite well done in a succinct manner look at my chosen home state. I found myself digging into old photo files for my pix of Hubbard Glacier, I have to admit.

 

Ask Scarlett: Can Being Outside Help Me De-Stress? And More Questions about Nature and You, by Rebecca Baines

 

Publication August 5, 2025

Full of fascinating tidbits and information.While designed for younger readers, I feel we older ones might just as easily enjoy and learn from it.  Not only is the information, which ranges from weather, both normal and extreme, to animals (even the mole rat gets space), houseplants, how pets may help out health, as well as headaches, foods, and more. Seriously, it's all tied neatly to the outdoors. I liked that though they frequently pointed out that there was scientific info to back up their statements that they didn't go into minute details in the text. The kept it simple and easy to digest and understand. There is a resource list at the end for those desiring to do a deeper dive, plus a glossary of terms and a quite extensive index to make it easier to find particular topics of interest. 

The book is illustrated with both cartoon like images, ie Scarlett, and photos which are credited at the end. Young readers should find them interesting and even charming, at least I did. There are even some crafty projects suggested with instructions at some points which will add to the fun. Bottom line, quite informative in a fun, easily read manner, and full of fun, colorful pictures. Thanks #AmericanPhychologicalAssociation for sharing this early look at a book that I highly recommend to both teachers and adults with curious, inquisitive children. Another plus is that while I ultimately read straight through, one can browse randomly or use the various guides to find desired info. Seriously, teacher friends and outdoor lovers, add this one to your bookshelves to share.