North and South
A Tale of Two Hemispheres
Age 7+
Picture Books
This beautiful non-fiction picture book contrasts, month-by-month, some of the world’s most-loved Northern and Southern Hemisphere animals and the ways the climates in those regions affect the way they breed, feed, adapt, hide and survive.
In the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, animals deal with changing seasons in various ways. Whichever hemisphere they live in, they need to be able to read the sign of the changing seasons to survive. This beautiful non-fiction picture book tells the tale of life for some of the planet's most-loved animals and what they’re up to throughout the year. North and South marks a beautiful and engaging introduction to the natural world and conservation for young readers, with in-depth facts throughout and a full index and glossary adding interest for older readers.
Resources
Creators
Sandra Morris is an author/illustrator from New Zealand and also runs her own illustration agency. She has a Masters in Fine Art. Her first book, One Lonely Kakapo, won the 1992 Russell Clark award for illustration. Since then Sandra has gone on to win numerous awards. Her two Walker Books titles, Sensational Survivors and A New Zealand Nature Journal, were both finalists at the New Zealand Book Awards and the LIANZA awards.
Reviews
North & South: A Tale of Two Hemispheres is a glorious nonfiction book brimming with fascinating facts about a myriad of animals. It encompasses a range of themes including endangered species, conservation, and climate change
Buzz Word Books
Gorgeous watercolour illustrations allow the animals to take their turn in the spotlight with a focus on movement and grace. Perfect for readers interested in viewing the world’s animals and their activities in a new light. A range of local and international creatures makes for a book that will appeal to readers everywhere
This gorgeous non-fiction picture book has become a firm favourite in our house – you can probably see why
bookish Bron
In this work which will enlarge young readers’ understanding of how conditions in the Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres affect animal life, author-illustrator Morris explores the diverse conditions that exist in each. Readers learn about the imaginary dividing line that is the equator and how the hemispheres’ seasons are different. Then, with the year divided in months, the author reveals, in unflinching text, the challenges each animal experiences in its habitat and how each animal’s distinctive characteristics, behavior, and survival skills results in its conservation status. For example, for January, the featured northern hemisphere animals are the Scottish ptarmigan and mountain hare of the Scottish Highlands experiencing winter, while the southern hemisphere features northern Australia’s green tree python in the summer. The soft textures used in the illustrations work together with the text, revealing a truth children can grow on. The back matter consists of a glossary, index, internet resources, and suggestions on how to help animal life on Earth. VERDICT Morris has created an eye-opening introduction to animals in the northern and southern hemisphere: it’s not to be missed. Starred review.
School and Library Journal
