Antarctica

Are you ready to spend six months of the year in total darkness, while enjoying year-round temperatures that average -74°F? If so, welcome to Antarctica – home to only a few thousand other diehards like you. Expecting lots of snowstorms during your stay? You’ll be disappointed; Antarctica gets less precipitation than the Sahara each year, so the snow you actually see is compacted glacial ice that is several years old. Want to learn more fun facts about Antarctica? Kids interested in this mysterious land will love this issue, which is filled with cool (make that freezing) details about the iciest continent on Earth.

Take a look at how massive ice floes form in Antarctic seas, and find out why this land doubles in size in winter. Then it’s time to meet the hardy animals that call this rugged domain home: penguins, penguins, and more penguins. Check out the breeding rites of the Emperor penguin, and learn more about how all species of penguins are uniquely adapted to this harsh climate. Moving on, a summary of the race to the South Pole in the early 20th century will surely inspire young explorers. Also featured are details of other expeditions to Antarctica; for kids who are science-minded, a tour of the many experiments undertaken at the continent’s 29 research stations will set imaginations afire. Antarctica, for kids who love tales of adventure and discovery, will definitely be a choice read.