  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 10/01/2013 Gr 3–6—Readers learn about Richard E. Byrd's arctic adventures from the point of view of the small dog that accompanied him every step of the way. While some background information is provided about the explorer and aviator's earlier years, Seiple's work primarily focuses on the years between 1926 and 1931 when Byrd's dog, Igloo, was with him and during which time he flew over both the North and South poles. Told in narrative style in brief chapters, their adventures read more like a novel than a history book as a great deal of anthropomorphizing of Igloo's thoughts and feelings are included. However, the use of a dog is an excellent gateway into polar adventure for elementary students and makes it a more compelling read. Much of the book draws from primary sources and includes a number of photographs, adding interest and historical credibility, but it is better suited for general-interest reading than report writing. Overall this is a solid and engaging look at Byrd's explorations that will appeal to children interested in history and adventure.—Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/01/2013 On a cold, damp morning, as Maris Boggs, the cofounder and director of the Bureau of Commercial Economics, waited for a bus, a stray puppy leaned against her. She couldn’t leave him behind. About to undertake his trip to the Arctic, Richard Byrd didn’t want a dog either, but Maris convinced him to take the terrier. Thus, on April 5, 1926, the dog joined Byrd and his crew as they sailed for Norway, where Byrd would challenge Roald Amundsen to become the first man to fly over the North Pole. The dog, soon named Igloo, became Byrd’s constant companion. In 1928, their second great adventure began: sailing to Antarctica so Byrd could fly over the South Pole. Although from time to time the author tends to ascribe human thoughts and feelings to Igloo, this doesn’t detract from the fast-moving, exciting account of his adventures. With plenty of archival black-and-white photos and five pages of source notes, this is a well-researched and welcome piece of narrative nonfiction. - Copyright 2013 Booklist. Loading...
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