Book Nook: Except Antarctica

 Turtles are found on every continent EXCEPT Antarctica. But not for long!

When a David Attenborough-esque narrator explains that turtles are found everywhere except Antarctica, one determined turtle sets out to prove him wrong. After recruiting other non-Antarctic animals along the way—much to the narrator's dismay—the turtle and his adventurous friends travel through fields, forests, and cross an entire ocean to reach their goal. But what exactly do they do once they get there?

Perfect for anyone who's ever gone a little too far to prove a point, this nature-documentary-gone-wrong is a gleefully funny lesson in determination and the beauty of having a contingency plan.

I had a chance to see a e-version of the book, and it was adorable. The author breaks the fourth wall, a little like "There's a Monster at the End of This Book" and a few other stories, and it really helps to add to the humor of the story (especially if you're a parent who is good at over-exaggerating the emotions). At the end, there are a bunch of good animal facts for kids to learn, presented in a kid-friendly way.

TODD STURGELL is an illustrator, author, and freelance art & creative director. In his previous career as a corporate advertising art director, he worked with national brands including The Home Depot, Hyundai, Red Lobster, and 7-11.

 

He lives, hikes, draws, and watches nature documentaries in the North Carolina mountains with his wife, daughters, and dog Max (named for a certain famous picture book character). He has not yet been to Antarctica.