An arctic adaptation of “This is the House that Jack Built” follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around “the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.” Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The “For Creative Minds” section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.

Written by Laura Crawford Illustrated by Ben Hodson	32 pg 8.5'' X 10'', ages 3-7, Lexile: NP Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9768823-4-3, $15.95 Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934359-34-1, $8.95
Purchase:

“Any primary level teacher who wishes to include the study of the arctic habitat should add this book to his or her repertoire. It would be an engaging way to introduce a unit, as well as focus on a specific animal the teacher wishes to include.” – NSTA Recommends

“I really loved this cleverly written book with the colorful, kid-friendly illustrations. If your children love water and animals, this is the book for them!” - Stories for Children Magazine

“Be sure to add this book to preschool and elementary shelves for enjoyment and use it to supplement science, geography, or math lessons. It will be a popular kids’ choice.” – Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

Author/Artist Bio:

Laura Crawford (In Arctic Waters) is currently the reading specialist at Sleepy Hollow School in the Chicago area. While teaching a science unit on the Arctic region, she became fascinated with the unique animals of the Arctic.  The cumulative tale, In Arctic Waters, is the result of her curiosity and was written with her students in mind. Laura is also the author of The Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving From A to Z and some leveled readers for Scott Foresman. She is an active member in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and credits her success to the SCBWI critique groups. In her free time, Laura loves to visit the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago with her nieces Madilynn and Lauren. They love the belugas!                                      

Ben Hodson (artist) was born in Guelph, Ontario and grew up in Owen Sound where he loved to explore the magical woods, mossy caves and craggy, limestone cliffs of the Niagara escarpment. Before illustrating for children, he co-owned The Colour Forge, a card company in Waterloo, Ontario and also worked as a commercial artist, painting the interiors of restaurants and stores in Toronto, and as a designer of logos and novelty art. Ben currently illustrates full time from his home, about an hour outside of Ottawa. Ben loves a good adventure, like hiking the Pacific Coast Trail with a pack of wild borros or living in a small village in Nepal, but his favourite place to be is at home on the lake, with his dog and sketchbook. Ben is the 2003 recipient of the Applied Arts Illustration Annual Award and is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

His published works for Sylvan Dell include 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day, In Arctic Waters, and How the Moon Regained Her Shape (recipient of the Ben Franklin Award for best interior art). Other books include: I Love Yoga; Pigs Aren’t Dirty, Bears Aren’t Slow and Other Truths about Misunderstood Animals and Wishes and Worries: A Story to Help Children Understand a Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol. Ben’s artwork for How the Moon Regained Her Shape was selected for the Society of Illustrators’ 26th Annual Original Art Exhibition and Ben was the 2004 recipient of the Glass Slipper Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators’ Canadian Conference. Visit Ben's website.