Books About Antarctica

The Best Antarctica Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about antarctica? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Antarctica

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1995

Penguin Puzzle

By Judith Bauer Stamper, Ted Enik (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the The Magic School Bus Chapter Book series

Students must solve a penguin puzzle in Antarctica after a magical transformation.

96 pages· 8,925 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,400 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ms. Frizzle takes her class on an Antarctic adventure, where they encounter penguins and icebergs. But when the students magically turn into penguins themselves, they must rely on Ms. Frizzle's guidance to navigate this chilly conundrum. Can they solve the puzzle and return to their human forms before it's too late?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

Race to the South Pole

By Kate Messner, Kelley McMorris (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Ranger in Time series

A young boy named Jack Nin stows away on a ship headed to Antarctica to help his family's struggling market garden.

160 pages· 16,089 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 620 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever, finds himself on a treacherous expedition to Antarctica. Alongside Jack Nin, a stowaway turned cabin boy, they face deadly ice, killer whales, and fierce blizzards. As they race against a rival explorer to reach the South Pole, survival becomes the ultimate challenge. Can Ranger and Jack overcome the odds in this frozen wilderness?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Except Antarctica

By Todd Sturgell

A turtle defies the odds to reach Antarctica, challenging nature's limits.

40 pages· 371 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 997 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A determined turtle sets out to prove a narrator wrong by reaching Antarctica, a place no turtle has gone before. Joined by a band of adventurous animals, they journey through diverse landscapes and cross an ocean. Will they succeed in their quest, and what surprises await them at the icy destination? This humorous tale of determination and unexpected friendships will leave you wondering just how far one can go to prove a point.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2009

Penguins!

By Anne Schreiber · National Geographic Readers series

Discover why penguins are nature's rock stars and their surprising habits.

32 pages· 1,161 words· Est. 13 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 513 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the world of penguins, nature's unexpected celebrities. As tall as a five-year-old, these fascinating creatures have quirky habits, like their peculiar way of feeding. What makes them so unique? Explore their lives and uncover the mysteries behind their stardom. Perfect for young explorers eager to learn about these waddling wonders.

Sale price

$2659

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1999

The Emperor's Egg

By Martin Jenkins, Jane Chapman (Illustrator) · Read and Wonder series

A male Emperor penguin takes care of his egg while his mate is away.

32 pages· 815 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 608 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the icy expanse of Antarctica, the male Emperor penguin faces a daunting challenge: surviving the harsh winter without food while keeping an egg warm on his feet. As his mate swims the ocean, he stands steadfast, embodying nature's ultimate devotion. Discover the incredible resilience and dedication of this remarkable father in a tale filled with fascinating penguin facts. Will his patience and endurance be enough to see the egg safely hatch? Dive into this captivating story of survival and parental love in the most extreme conditions on Earth.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Who Was Ernest Shackleton?

By James Buckley Jr., Who HQ, Max Hergenrother (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A daring explorer faces perilous Antarctic challenges.

112 pages· 7,394 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 455 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ernest Shackleton, captivated by sea tales, embarks on a perilous Antarctic expedition aboard the Endurance in 1914. As unforeseen tragedies strike, his leadership and courage are tested against nature's harshest elements. Will he and his crew survive the ultimate test of endurance and resilience? Discover the gripping true story of adventure and survival in the icy wilderness.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Penguin Problems

By Jory John, Lane Smith (Illustrator) · Animal Problems series

A penguin's daily struggles in the Antarctic.

32 pages· 400 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,536 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the icy expanse of Antarctica, a penguin shares the not-so-glamorous reality of his life. It's freezing, predators lurk, and finding family in a sea of identical faces is a challenge. This humorous tale invites readers to discover that even in a land of ice, problems persist. Will this penguin's candid confessions change your view of the 'lawless paradise'? Dive into a world where grumpiness knows no bounds and laughter is guaranteed. Join this penguin's journey and see if you can relate to his chilly woes.

Ice Is Nice! All About the North and South Poles

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Ice Is Nice! All About the North and South Poles

By Bonnie Worth, Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator), Joe Mathieu (Illustrator) · Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series

Explore the poles with the Cat in the Hat and uncover icy secrets and animal wonders.

48 pages· 1,193 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 205 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Join the Cat in the Hat on a whimsical journey to the North and South Poles. Discover how arctic animals brave the cold, why the Earth spins, and the mysteries scientists unravel at the poles. With engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this adventure is perfect for young explorers eager to learn about our planet's icy extremes. What secrets will you uncover in this frosty expedition?

Sale price

$1510

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Who Eats What?

By Patricia Lauber, Holly Keller (Illustrator)

Discover the vital connections in Earth's intricate food chain.

32 pages· 1,317 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 200 ratings

$15.89Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Explore the fascinating web of life where every creature relies on another for survival. This engaging journey through Earth's food chain reveals the delicate balance that sustains our world. How does each link contribute to the whole? Uncover the secrets of nature's interdependence and the unseen connections that bind us all.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

If You Were a Penguin

By Florence Minor, Wendell Minor (Illustrator)

Discover the playful world of penguins through rhyme and vibrant illustrations.

32 pages· 126 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 835 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Imagine life as a penguin, where you can swim swiftly, slide on ice, and sing joyful duets. This delightful picture book invites young readers to explore the wonders of penguin life through charming rhymes and vivid illustrations. With fun facts at the end, children will learn about these fascinating creatures while enjoying a playful adventure. What surprises await in the penguin's icy world?

The Bookroo Book Club