Sophie Scott Goes South (Alison Lester, Viking)

As well as being one of the inaugural Australian children’s laureates and an ambassador for the National Year of Reading, Alison Lester recently travelled to Antarctica; Sophie Scott Goes South is a record of her travels—a picture book account of the journey as seen through the eyes of nine-year-old Sophie, whose father is captain of the Aurora Australis, an icebreaker taking people and supplies to Mawson Station. Sophie’s diary entries describe the changing terrain and weather conditions as they travel further south; her excitement when she sees her first iceberg, and then spots her first seals and penguins; and the special clothing they all need to wear. With just over a month to complete the whole journey before the weather becomes too harsh, the expedition is not without its hazards; a severe blizzard encountered on their arrival at the station, and the ensuing white-out, reminds us of the force of nature in extreme locations. The narrative style is naturally chatty and informal, with just the right amount of factual and background information—and accompanying sketches, diagrams and photographs—to appeal to primary-aged children. This is highly recommended for both the home and the classroom.

Hilary Adams works in a specialist children’s bookshop in Sydney

Category: Reviews