A Seal Named Patches

by Tony Mariano, Patrick Robinson

Overview

Two polar explorers are out to solve a mystery: Where is their special seal, Patches?

Scientists Roxanne Beltran and Patrick Robinson set off on a polar adventure, traveling to Antarctica to study the lives of Weddell seals. By finding Patches, a wily seal they’ve been tracking since its birth, they’ll be able to learn a lot about how much the seals get to eat and how many pups they raise. A Seal Named Patches takes young readers into the world at the very bottom of the globe, where they meet the extraordinary animals that live in cold, icy conditions. Through breathtaking photos and real-life stories, young readers will learn about how scientists do fieldwork, the challenges of researching animals in harsh climates, and even what it’s like to fly a helicopter over Antarctica. This engaging story will especially entertain and educate children in grades K-2 (ages 5–8.)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781602233317
Publisher:	University of Alaska Press
Publication date:	11/15/2017
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	333,837
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Roxanne Beltran studies the influences of ecology and physiology on animal behavior at the University of Alaska. Patrick Robinson works as a Reserve Director for the University of California Natural Reserve System.

Editorial Reviews

Winner, intermediate readers

DeBary Children's Science Book Award

At the bottom of the world, forgotten and mostly deserted by humans, is the land of Antarctica. Patches the Seal has lived and perplexed explorers for many years. Each year, explorers set out to find her. They wonder about her health and safety. They wonder if a new pup has been born to continue the unique Weddell Seal population. The search lasts for days and disappointment grows as they find seal after seal but none tagged with Patches’ number. Not even the beauty of Antarctica can ease their sadness. Then on the last day of their exploration, Patches is found and with her new twenty-second pup! The explorers celebrate while Patches and her pup rest on the ice. Beautifully illustrated as a photo journal experience, the reader is immediately drawn into an encounter of discovery on this unknown land. The first person narration tells of the explorer’s adventure and emotion, while sharing interesting facts. Detailed captions on each page give further information on this unique brand of seals. Children will be mesmerized with the beauty of both the language and the sights of this story of hope and wonder. This would be a great read to use for a study of animals and to deepen a reader’s appreciation for the world’s beauties that we can enjoy. Reviewer: Tonia C. Halley; Ages 6 to 10.

Children's Literature - Tonia C. Halley

★ 01/01/2018
K-Gr 3—In this beautifully presented science-focused narrative, readers follow the progress of a team of scientists trying to locate Patches, a Weddell seal. Why? Because she is the most successful seal mom in Weddell seal history, having given birth to 21 pups. The team has visited her every year since she was born. Learning about Patches will help scientists understand how seals survive in a well-protected, pristine ecosystem. The authors do an excellent job of telling this true story. The writing is clear and tinged with emotion as the scientists wait anxiously for a chance to spot Patches and only succeed on their last day in Antarctica. And while they search, the scientists also take time to stop and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings; their awe is clearly conveyed to readers. There is passionate engagement here. This well-crafted writing is accompanied by large, captivating photographs showing the scientists at work among snow-covered mountains, seals, penguins, and even a minke whale. VERDICT An outstanding choice for budding scientists, animal lovers, and readers who want to expand their horizons to include Antarctica.—Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York

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