Under Alaska's Midnight Sun

by Deb Vanasse

Published 1 March 2005
In the far northern parts of the world, near and above the Arctic Circle, summer days are very long. In Barrow, Alaska, for example, the sun rises in May and sets 83 days later, in early August. During this time, the sun shines all through the night. People call it the midnight sun. When the midnight sun is shining, people and animals stay active even at night. This sweet poetic narrative, illustrated by award-winner Jeremiah Trammell, 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.

Alaska Animal Babies

by Deb Vanasse

Published 1 March 2005
This irresistible entry to the Paws IV series features full-color photos of baby animals, plus information about each species. Pictured in their natural habitats are a wide range of young creatures, from arctic foxes and polar bears to Dall sheep and mountain goats. In all, 24 of Alaska's wild and wonderful inhabitants are included. Brief but captivating descriptions introduce each animal, bringing them to life and familiarizing young audiences with their habits. Did readers know a gray wolf pup bumps his mother's chin to get attention? Or that marmots flatten themselves against the ground when they sense danger? This natural history treat entices animal lovers of all ages.

Totem Tale

by Deb Vanasse

Published 7 February 2006
On a full-moon night in Alaska, a traditional native totem pole magically comes to life. The Grizzly, Beaver, Frog, and Raven all stretch and scratch and voice their relief at being free at last. But then the first dawn light appears on the horizon, and the totems have to reassemble themselves in the proper order before morning. Who should be on top of whom? Can wise Raven reason with these contentious creatures? Deb Vanasse’s enchanting text and Erik Brooks’s lively illustrations make this a memorable modern folktale.