(2) K-3 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.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021