Great Alaska Children’s Books
Instill a love of reading while sharing Alaska’s wild and wondrous life with your children. And what better way to share the fun, the facts and the folklore of our great state than with beautifully written and illustrated books by Alaskans. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Sourdough Man: An Alaska Folktale by Cherie B. Stihler; illustrated by Barbara Lavallee (Sasquatch Books, 2010)
Remember the runaway Gingerbread Man? Now there’s a distinctly Alaskan version of this tale. A runaway sourdough loaf has come to life, and he is eluding all manner of creatures native to the great north: musk ox, lemmings, arctic hares, caribou, marmot, golden eagle. But the arctic fox, it turns out, is both cleverer and hungrier than all the other animals!
Ages: 3-8 years
What's a Shrew to You by Mary Shields; illustrated by Jon Van Zyle (Pyrola Publishing, 2009)
This rhyming picture book encourages young people to go outside and be curious about the wildlife around them, especially in the boreal forest of Alaska. Children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the spectacular illustrations. On a CD tucked in the back cover, the text is set to music and sung by Susan Grace, helping young readers learn their words.
Ages: Preschoolers and up
Have You Ever Seen A Smack of Jellyfish? An Alphabet Book written and illustrated by Sarah Asper-Smith (Sasquatch Books, 2010)
This bold and vibrant alphabet book takes children on a fascinating journey through the alphabet with animals as its guide. How many animal groups do you think you can name? An Army of Ants and a Gaggle of Geese? How about a Knot of Frogs and a Covey of Quail? This book's colorful illustrations and playful use of language appeal to readers of all ages.
Ages: 3-8 years
Big-Enough Anna: The Little Sled Dog Who Braved the Arctic by Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon; illustrated by Bill Farnsworth (Alaska Northwest Books, 2003)
Anna may be the smallest dog in the litter, but she’s surely the most determined. In this incredible true story, Anna joins a dog team for a 2,500-mile expedition across the top of the world. When the lead dog becomes lost, it’s up to Anna to take his place. Will she have what it takes to ensure the survival of all? In an exciting climax, she proves the answer is “Yes!”
Ages: 4-8 years
Caribou Crossing by Andrea Helman; photography by Art Wolfe (Sasquatch Books/Paws IV Children’s Books, 2009)
This charming picture book takes readers on a trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a cold, remote, dark and frigid place. But there’s another side to the refuge that is bright, colorful and teeming with wildlife. Children will learn fun facts about 23 animals from the refuge, from bearded seals to beluga whales.
Ages: 4-6 years
Atiska, Ataska, Charlie's in Alaska written and illustrated by Anne Canterbury & Glenda Field (Publication Consultants, 2010)
Cheechako Charlie discovers that he has a lot to learn about the Land of the Midnight Sun. His cousin Sourdough Sam knows that it is best for Charlie to uncover the secrets through his own discoveries. As Charlie and Sam explore the Last Frontier, your own curiosity will grow and you will want to learn more about the 49th state.
Ages: 4-8 years
The Giant Cabbage by Cherie B. Stihler; illustrated by Jeremiah Trammell (Sasquatch Books, 2003)
Moose discovers a very big cabbage in his garden that could win first prize at the Alaska State Fair. But there's a problem – it's so huge he can't lift it! Various animal friends stop to help, and through teamwork and positive attitude, they succeed. Comical repetitions, fun words and vivid animal characters bring the story to life.
Ages: Infant to preschoolers
Under Alaska's Midnight Sun by Deb Vanasse; illustrated by Jeremiah Trammell (Sasquatch Books, 2005)
In the far northern parts of the world, summer days are very long. In Barrow, the sun rises in May and shines all through the night. When this midnight sun is shining, people and animals stay active even at night. This story showcases the many pleasures of this unique time as a little girl dances, fishes, plays games, watches moose and fox and communes with family and nature.
Ages: 4-8 years
Wiggle-Waggle WOOF! Counting Sled Dogs in Alaska by Cherie B. Stihler; illustrated by Michael Bania (Sasquatch Books, 2009)
This colorful and lively story centers on preparing a sled dog team ready for a race. Children count paws, ears and noses as the dogs eagerly await the starting gun. A sled-dog glossary helps children learn mushing terminology and sled dog facts. The cheerful text is excellent for reading aloud and makes for a wonderful way to get children excited about counting.
Ages: 3-7 years
Survival at 40 Below by Debbie S. Miller; illustrated by Jon Van Zyle (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2010)
As temperatures drop and the snow deepens, the animals that make the tundra home must ready themselves for survival. Follow the cycles of different arctic inhabitants as they prepare themselves for the cold winter. Then when the temperatures finally rise and the snow begins to melt, these creatures emerge and the pulse of life returns to the arctic.
Ages: 4-8 years
The Alaska Mother Goose by Shelley Gill; illustrated by Shannon Cartwright (Sasquatch Books/Paws IV Children's Books, 2002)
This collection of lighthearted nursery rhymes with a northern flair comes complete with a glossary of facts about each animal mentioned. The musical rhymes and engaging illustrations will delight both young and old.
Ages: Infant to preschoolers
