From the Publisher: "The Antarctic is a world of snow and ice. It is a cold and inhospitable place to live but many animals including the impressive Emperor penguin live and breed there. Fur seals and albatrosses are also native to this icy land. However, it is one of the smallest creatures of all - the Krill - that is of vital importance to life there. Find out about the natural habitat, the history of the explorers and the people who are today doing their utmost to protect this sensitive environment. Throughout it all you will see the beauty of creation as well as learning what God can teach you about himself through his world and his word."
According to my ten-year-old daughter, Antarctic Adventures is interesting and informative. I agree. Ms. Hill's writing is sure to appeal to a wide variety of youngsters, aged 7-12, as she weaves stories of explorers, scientists, and their expeditions with information about the habitat and creatures of the Antarctic. Some may not necessarily agree with all of the author's assertions (ex. man-made global warming), however, her exhortations (ex. be a good steward of God's creation) are no less relevant.
Each chapter of Antarctic Adventures concludes with a spiritual lesson. The lessons would be my only hesitation with this book as they seemed to be somewhat weak (especially when compared to other Christian Focus titles). For example, in the third story, Ms. Hill shares about a scientist who failed to reach his goals but who still contributed valuable research through his failed expedition. She, then, reminds us of Joseph and the trials in his life. She writes:
"...he never complained. He did the work he was asked to do and he did it the best way he could. When things went wrong for him he didn't ask 'why', rather he thought 'what shall I do now?' People learnt to trust him and in the end he became the Pharaoh's trusted right hand man, a position of great honour in Egypt. You may sometimes think that something is 'not fair', that you have done your best, but no one appreciates it. All that matters is that God knows you can be trusted to do the very best you can" (pg. 22).
While it is Biblical that one "do the very best" he/she can (1 Cor. 10:31), this is certainly not "all that matters". Furthermore, it seems to miss the more valuable lesson that God, in His sovereignty, sent Joseph before his brothers to preserve a remnant for Himself (Gen. 45). "All that matters" is that we trust this sovereign God who sent His Son to die on the cross in the place of sinful man that a remnant might come to Him. It matters little if "God knows you can be trusted..."; He is faithful, even when His people are not. There are many other similar examples throughout this book. Ultimately, Antarctic Adventures did not present a clear Gospel message as do other Christian Focus titles. Although this would be expected from a more scientific work, it was disappointing nonetheless given the more than fifteen "spiritual lessons" throughout the book. :(
All-in-all, Antarctic Adventures is a fascinating read. It includes exciting information about scientists racing to the South Pole; helpful scientific explanations (ex. the difference between the fixed South Pole and the Magnetic South Pole and its role with respect to southern lights); unexpected traveling companions; useful inventions; a map, quiz, and more. Antarctic Adventures gives its reader a taste of the subject matter and encourages him/her to do additional research. Young people who are interested in this topic should find it a useful introductory resource. However, one might want to discuss the spiritual applications further.
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
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