Except Antarctica

May 10, 2021
Readers of animal facts books are accustomed to the phrase “on every continent except Antarctica” being applied to myriad species. But how do the animals themselves feel about this categorization? Based on the reaction of a turtle who dons a cozy hat and starts out on a we’ll-show-you expedition to the frozen south, the same way as young readers who’ve been told something is off limits: defiant. Joining the passel of critters following the turtle, a snake archly informs the book’s unseen and increasingly frustrated narrator that its species is “known to break the rules.” After an unpleasant trip stacked on top of the turtle’s back, they arrive in Antarctica only to discover that it is, indeed, exceedingly cold. But while the narrator can’t resist a smug “HA!” as they leave, that triumph is fleeting: the emperor penguin has just heard that it is found only in Antarctica. Digitally colored pen and ink drawings vary tonally—a couple of threateningly stormy spreads veer away from the book’s otherwise comical vibe—but debut creator Sturgell has a savvy sense of visual pacing, and the meta-comic repartee is spot-on. “Why would a dung beetle travel to Antarctica with a turtle and an owl?” the narrator asks. “Two words,” replies the beetle: “Penguin poop.” Ages 4–8. Agent: Molly O’Neill, Root Literary.

June 1, 2021
Grades 1-3 Adding a dash of metafiction to a tongue-in-cheek bit of natural science, an unseen narrator explains that the turtle, owl, snake, mouse, bee, and dung beetle are found on every continent except Antarctica, instantly prompting those creatures to snarkily parade south. Why would a dung beetle go to Antarctica? "Two words: penguin poop." But once they arrive, they discover exactly why each of their species hasn't settled there, and they're soon off to warmer, more accustomed climes. "As long as we're here," burbles the narrator, "let's talk about emperor penguins. Emperor penguins are found only on Antarctica." ("Oh really?" says one, already packing a suitcase.) Sturgell depicts his animal travelers with some naturalism, adding the occasional playful detail and, once they realize what Antarctica is like, comically dismayed expressions. An appended portrait gallery adds further facts, and, along with a map, the author closes with an appeal to join efforts to fight global warming. Address follow-up questions about Antarctica by pairing this with Mary Batten and Thomas Gonzalez's Life in a Frozen World (2020).

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September 1, 2021
Sturgell introduces readers to a headstrong turtle who, upon learning that turtles live on every continent except Antarctica, decides to travel there despite pleas from the fact-providing offstage narrator. Joining the turtle on its journey are other animals it meets along the way that similarly can be found on every continent except Antarctica -- owl, dung beetle, snake, bee, mouse, and frog. Unsurprisingly, once they reach the frigid shores of Antarctica, these traveling companions do not last long and quickly return home, much to the relief of the native emperor penguins. Snarky dialogue and the hapless narrator's growing frustration ("This is a book of animal facts...This book is not going as planned") add lots of humor to the engaging story, while the brightly colored pen, ink, and digital art brings the pack of quirky anthropomorphized creatures to life. Back matter -- including lists of quick facts about each of the animals, a map of the Antarctic continent, notes on climate change, and a glossary -- rounds out this well-executed and entertaining book. Eric Carpenter

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from June 1, 2021
An earnest narrator attempts to impart facts about animals that are seen on all continents with the exception of Antarctica. When a turtle hears that its species has no presence there, it refuses to accept the fact and immediately announces its departure for Antarctica. The startled narrator demands that it retreat to its original page but is ignored. As more animals are told that they too are not represented on that continent, the narrator is faced with total rebellion, completely losing control of the endeavor. No number of warnings that they will not survive in that climate, nor ridicule, nor threats, can keep an owl, a dung beetle, a snake, a mouse, a bee, and a frog from joining the turtle in the mad expedition. After an astonishingly inventive journey, the travelers joyfully arrive in Antarctica, to the amazement of its penguins. But they soon discover that the narrator is right about the frigid, unbearable climate, and they head for home, leaving a surprise twist involving a penguin. The swiftly rising, maniacal tone is highlighted by different, boldfaced types assigned to the narrator and the animals. Vivid, wildly imaginative illustrations add wonder and excitement to the proceedings. Readers will laugh out loud at the animals' recalcitrance and the narrator's frustrations, all the while absorbing a great deal of information. Delightful and hilarious. (further information, map, glossary) (Picture book. 4-9)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2021
Sturgell introduces readers to a headstrong turtle who, upon learning that turtles live on every continent except Antarctica, decides to travel there despite pleas from the fact-providing offstage narrator. Joining the turtle on its journey are other animals it meets along the way that similarly can be found on every continent except Antarctica -- owl, dung beetle, snake, bee, mouse, and frog. Unsurprisingly, once they reach the frigid shores of Antarctica, these traveling companions do not last long and quickly return home, much to the relief of the native emperor penguins. Snarky dialogue and the hapless narrator's growing frustration ("This is a book of animal facts...This book is not going as planned") add lots of humor to the engaging story, while the brightly colored pen, ink, and digital art brings the pack of quirky anthropomorphized creatures to life. Back matter -- including lists of quick facts about each of the animals, a map of the Antarctic continent, notes on climate change, and a glossary -- rounds out this well-executed and entertaining book.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)