Ice! Poems About Polar Life

★ “There are lots of surprises in the inventive wordplay along with twisted syntax that gets the point across while invoking giggles from young readers. . . . Florian is a master of light verse with a purpose, and he matches it with art that charms. Thoughtful, fun, and delightful.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“The delightful illustrations are a highlight. . . . . a terrific example of poetry and the wonder of the natural world.”—School Library Journal

“Informative facts about the regions and animals appear as mini notes below each poem . . . Florian’s signature impressionistic illustrations in colored pencils and oil pastels add verve.” —The Horn Book

“In typical Florian fashion, the rhythmic poems, mostly told from the animal’s perspective, use rhyme, wit, and occasional puns to give kids a taste of the animal’s physical characteristics, habitat, diet, adaptations, or other special traits. . . . As always, much of the humor comes from Florian’s distinctive, childlike mixed-media illustrations on paper-bag backgrounds. The final poem, ‘Climate Change,’ urges young readers to care for these animals and their environments. A funny yet socially conscious collection.” —Booklist


“The poet’s quick rhyming lines and Ogden Nash–like love of a concluding pun on are full display here.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books


“Florian’s trademark whimsical art complements poems about life in the polar regions and the animals native to those environs . . . clever free verse poems include snippets of information that will make young readers eager to learn more.”—School Library Connection