Into the ice by Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch

Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica is a glorious coffee table-style book that will appeal to readers both young and old. The striking photographs and stunning illustrations will provide endless hours of engagement and enable younger readers who may not yet be ready to read the text to pour over the pages and images, thereby gaining a wonderful snapshot of this mysterious and magical land of big seas, ice, snow and the natural environment.

Author Alison Lester and illustrator Coral Tulloch share their memories of journeys to this southern continent with both candour and reflective thoughts. They have interspersed their own narratives with quotes and stories from the past, and discussions in the present. There are historical facts, journal entries, quirky titbits of information, diagrams, tables, illustrations and maps, plus superb photographs of varying aspects of Antarctica.

The book begins with the story of the trip in 2006 where they experienced a storm at sea. The reader can feel the anxiety and the fear but also the trust they have that the crew and the ship will keep them safe. The first sightings of an iceberg leave them in wonder of the majestic size and … 'heralding the entrance to an old, ancient world, seen new.' Through their eyes, there is so much newness to see, read and learn. Along with the weather, the landscapes and the history, the creators share their impressions and heartfelt emotions.

Into the Ice would make a beautiful gift to be treasured and browsed through time and time again. The text is highly accessible and it is a story waiting to be read and devoured. In the final pages are detailed lists of sources, images and acknowledgments. I cannot recommend this fabulous book highly enough. A fascinating read.

Themes: Antarctica, Journeys, Memories, History, Factual Information.

Kathryn Beilby