It's a beautiful non-fiction book by award-winning author-illustrators Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch.
Both Alison and Coral have visited Antarctica more than once, including as Arts Fellows and tourists. Their stunning artwork is an important centrepiece for Into the Ice.
From paintings, sketches and working drawings, to pen and ink and watercolour drawings, children's picture book illustrations and photos, this is a cornucopia of the great, ice-covered continent south of Australia.
Illustrations are complemented by quotes and excerpts from journals, and information about Antarctica. They're juxtaposed with quotes from other travellers and Antarctic explorers, both historic and contemporary.
Into the Ice will immerse you in Antarctica. Travel on a ship buffeted by the wind and revel at the first sight of enormous icebergs. Experience a deep, dense fog descending. Observe seals, birds, and penguins. See the shimmering aurora light up the sky. Feel the biting cold, and walk in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson and other historic expeditioners.
There is such variety and much to experience about a place relatively few people have been able to visit. There's also much to consider about an environment being dramatically affected by climate change. Into the Ice captures something that is at risk and shouldn't be taken for granted.
Endpapers bookend the journey with images that are opposites. Final messages from both creators can be found at the end of the book, together with a list of sources, and a list of images identifying the creator and medium of each one.
With its embossed hardback cover, I found something really tactile about this book. It's the kind you will want to sit and pour over. Alison and Coral write that "Everyone is changed in some way by visiting Antarctica". Don't miss travelling with the special book that is Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica.
Title: Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica
Author/Illustrator: Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 35.00
Publication Date: 29 October 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760526061
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction