Arctic Adventure: A Tundra Tale

Rajan Gopal (Love Is Here with You) and Cook (Hush, Little Rocket) provide a dynamic snapshot of the arctic tundra in this melodic picture book. The story opens with a morning that feels like night, under which “a full moon gazes down.” Little Fox and Mama Fox emerge from their den, encountering a polar bear, a flock of rock ptarmigans, and more, as narration largely emphasizes Little Fox’s at times eager and at times uncertain perspective (“Little Fox yelps,/ her paws scrabbling back”). Meanwhile, a pair of pale-skinned humans—one with a telephoto lens in hand—shadow the foxes. While the vulpine duo leap among drifting ice, the human adult and child look on from a boat, taking in a vista that includes toothy walruses and a spread-filling whale. As a snowstorm descends, the human youth and Little Fox worriedly utter in parallel, “Mama?” Naturally, parental comfort proves close at hand, and the twined tale winds down with electric-hued northern lights followed by bedtime snuggles. Mixed media artwork incorporates magnetic, intense colors and frequently angular elements that highlight the landscape’s stark qualities. Back matter offers more about the arctic tundra; a note acknowledges artistic license in the visuals. Ages 3–6. (Jan.)