Books About Arctic And Antarctic · 222 titles considered

The Best Arctic And Antarctic Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about arctic and antarctic? 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 Arctic And Antarctic

Jack and the Geniuses
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Jack and the Geniuses

By Bill Nye, Gregory Mone, Nicholas Iluzada (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jack and the Geniuses series

A scientist vanishes in Antarctica. Can three young geniuses solve the mystery?

272 pages· 49,500 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,133 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jack and his genius foster siblings, Ava and Matt, join Dr. Hank Witherspoon in Antarctica for a prestigious event. When a scientist mysteriously disappears, the trio must unravel the truth. As they delve into the icy enigma, they face challenges that test their intellect and courage. Will they uncover the secrets hidden at the bottom of the world, or will the mystery remain unsolved? Join Jack and the Geniuses on a thrilling adventure filled with scientific wonders and unexpected twists, where the stakes are as high as the frozen peaks surrounding them.
The Golden Compass
Sale price
$1900
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1995

The Golden Compass

By Philip Pullman · Book #1 in the His Dark Materials series

A girl ventures north to rescue a friend, facing betrayal and parallel worlds.

Carnegie Medal for Writing (1995)
399 pages· 116,792 words· Est. 11 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,647,146 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world of animal familiars and parallel universes, young Lyra races north to rescue her friend from the sinister Gobblers. Amidst witch clans and armored bears, her uncle Asriel's dangerous quest to bridge worlds looms. Lyra's fierce determination may save or betray those she loves. Can she navigate the treacherous path between loyalty and betrayal? Discover the thrilling journey in 'The Golden Compass,' where one girl's courage could change everything.
The Polar Express
Sale price
$2089
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1985

The Polar Express

By Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Caldecott Medal (1986)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1986)
32 pages· 910 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 250,425 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On Christmas Eve, a young boy boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. As the Polar Express journeys through dark forests and icy landscapes, he anticipates a special gift from Santa. Will his Christmas wish come true in the city atop the world? This enchanting adventure, filled with wonder and mystery, has captivated readers for generations. Experience the magic anew with this special edition, featuring stunning illustrations and a keepsake ornament. Join the boy on a timeless journey where belief and imagination lead to the heart of Christmas.
Tacky the Penguin
Sale price
$958
Board Book · Ages 3–6 · 1988

Tacky the Penguin

By Helen Lester, Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Tacky the Penguin series

An odd penguin's quirks might save his colony from danger.

32 pages
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,943 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Tacky is not your typical penguin. While his companions glide gracefully, Tacky prefers splashy cannonballs and loud greetings. His antics annoy the others, but when poachers threaten their icy home, Tacky's unconventional ways might be their only hope. Can this quirky penguin turn his oddities into strengths and save the day? Discover how being different can make all the difference in this charming tale of courage and individuality.
The Animal Rescue Agency
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Animal Rescue Agency

By Eliot Schrefer · Book #1 in the Animal Rescue Agency series

A fox and rooster race to save a polar bear cub from a human threat.

192 pages· 25,078 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 249 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Esquire Fox, a reformed trickster, and Mr. Pepper, a spirited rooster, lead the Animal Rescue Agency. Their latest mission takes them to the Arctic, where a polar bear cub's life hangs in the balance. As they unravel the mystery, they face an unexpected adversary: a human. Can this unlikely duo outsmart the world's most dangerous predator and save the cub in time? Adventure, friendship, and conservation collide in this thrilling tale.
Auntie Claus
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1999

Auntie Claus

By Elise Primavera · Auntie Claus series

Sophie uncovers her aunt's secret holiday adventures. What mysteries lie beyond the Christmas cookies and trips?

40 pages· 2,360 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,016 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sophie is curious about her great-aunt, Auntie Claus, who lives in a lavish penthouse and takes mysterious trips every holiday season. Determined to uncover the truth, Sophie embarks on an adventure that promises to reveal secrets beyond her imagination. Why does Auntie Claus serve Christmas cookies year-round, and what happens on her annual 'business trip'? Join Sophie as she unravels the enchanting mystery of Auntie Claus, where the magic of Christmas might be more real than she ever dreamed. Bundle up for a journey filled with wonder and surprises.
Santa Calls
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Santa Calls

By William Joyce · The World of William Joyce series

Three kids race to save Christmas from evil elves at the North Pole.

Golden Kite Honor (1994)
40 pages· 2,220 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,592 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Art Aimesworth, a young inventor and crime fighter, is summoned to the North Pole with his sister Esther and friend Spaulding. Santa needs their help against an army of evil elves. But when Esther is captured by the Queen of the Dark Elves, Art must embark on a daring rescue mission. Can he save his sister and Christmas itself? This thrilling holiday adventure promises mystery, danger, and a race against time.
The Second Sky
Sale price
$1615
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

The Second Sky

By Patrick Guest, Jonathan Bentley (Illustrator)

A penguin dreams of flying despite his limitations. Can he defy the odds?

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 279 ratings
$17.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Gilbert, a determined penguin, dreams of soaring through the skies. Despite his clumsy feet and tiny wings, he refuses to give up, even when others doubt him. Will his persistence uncover hidden talents and allow him to achieve the impossible? Dive into this heartwarming tale of resilience and self-discovery.
Arctic White
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Arctic White

By Danna Smith, Lee White (Illustrator)

A girl discovers vibrant colors in the Arctic's endless white.

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 252 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the Arctic's endless winter white, a young girl embarks on a journey with her grandfather. As they traverse the frozen tundra, she wonders if there's more to see than the monotonous snow. Their cold trek leads to a breathtaking revelation—the Northern Lights, painting the sky in vivid blues, greens, and purples. What else might be hidden in the Arctic's icy embrace?
Finding Bear
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Finding Bear

By Hannah Gold · Book #2 in the The Last Bear series

A girl braves the Arctic to save a wounded polar bear and finds an unexpected companion.

352 pages· 45,504 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 1,914 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: April Wood can't forget her bond with a polar bear. When she hears of an injured bear in Svalbard, she convinces her dad to journey to the Arctic. Amidst icy landscapes, April discovers a vulnerable cub needing her help. Facing harsh conditions and her own fears, she must navigate the treacherous terrain to save him. Will she succeed in this heartwarming tale of survival and hope?
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Arctic And Antarctic Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about arctic and antarctic for the youngest readers and listeners.

The Three Snow Bears
Sale price
$1499

The Three Snow Bears

Ages 0–3 · 2007

A snowy twist on Goldilocks with Arctic animals in vibrant Inuit attire.

Ten on the Sled
Sale price
$899

Ten on the Sled

Ages 0–3 · 2010

Animals tumble off a sled, leaving one lonely rider. Will they reunite?

The Polar Pack
Series
Sale price
$799

The Polar Pack

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover the wonders of polar animals through rhymes and illustrations.

Where Is My Butt?
Sale price
$795

Where Is My Butt?

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A penguin's quest to find his missing butt leads to a wild adventure.

Snow Babies
Sale price
$695

Snow Babies

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Discover adorable animal babies thriving in snowy wonderlands.

Little Penguin's Tale
Sale price
$899

Little Penguin's Tale

Ages 0–3 · 1989

A curious penguin's adventures lead to unexpected dangers and delightful discoveries.

A Polar Bear's World
Series
Sale price
$799

A Polar Bear's World

Ages 1–3 · 2010

Discover the first year of polar bear cubs as they explore their icy world.

Oh No, Narwhal!
Sale price
$1099

Oh No, Narwhal!

Ages 0–3

Narwhal's tusk causes chaos in playful adventures.

Arctic Animals
Series
Sale price
$899

Arctic Animals

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover how Arctic animals survive the cold in this engaging board book for toddlers.

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Arctic And Antarctic Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about arctic and antarctic for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Polar Bear
Sale price
$1899

Polar Bear

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A mother polar bear leads her cubs on a perilous journey across the Arctic ice.

The Lost Narwhal
Sale price
$1799

The Lost Narwhal

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A lost narwhal finds unexpected family among belugas.

The Ice Bear
Sale price
$1799

The Ice Bear

Ages 6–9 · 2010

A child torn between two worlds; a hunter's pursuit threatens harmony.

Shackleton's Journey
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2400

Shackleton's Journey

Ages 7–11 · 2014

Explore Shackleton's Antarctic adventure through vivid illustrations and detailed drawings.

Odd Dog Out
Sale price
$1799

Odd Dog Out

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A colorful pup seeks her place in a gray world, only to find home is where she belongs.

Sweetest Kulu
Sale price
$1695

Sweetest Kulu

Ages 3–5 · 2013

A newborn receives gifts from Arctic animals in a tender bedtime poem.

Blown Away
Sale price
$1799

Blown Away

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A penguin's kite adventure leads to unexpected discoveries about home.

Except Antarctica
Sale price
$1799

Except Antarctica

Ages 4–8 · 2021

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

Ernest Shackleton
Series
Sale price
$1599

Ernest Shackleton

Ages 4–7 · 2020

An explorer's relentless quest to conquer the South Pole defies all odds.

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Arctic And Antarctic Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about arctic and antarctic for developing and independent readers.

The Last Bear
Sale price
$999

The Last Bear

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl discovers a lone polar bear on an Arctic island. Can she help him find his way home?

Penguin Puzzle
#8 in Series
Sale price
$499

Penguin Puzzle

Ages 7–10 · 1995

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

Race to the South Pole
#4 in Series
Sale price
$699

Race to the South Pole

Ages 7–10 · 2016

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

Polar Bear Patrol
Series
Sale price
$499

Polar Bear Patrol

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A class trip to the North Pole reveals unexpected Arctic wonders.

Penguins!
Series
Sale price
$599

Penguins!

Ages 6–8 · 2009

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

The Subtle Knife
#2 in Series
Sale price
$2000

The Subtle Knife

Ages 12–17 · 1997

Two worlds collide as a deadly secret and a powerful knife bind Lyra and Will's destinies.

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Keep exploring
Books about animal rescueBooks about ChristmasBooks about experimentsBooks about kidnappingBooks about missing personsBooks about orphansBooks about rescues and rescuingBooks about scientists