This informative book follows the migration route of caribou from the Porcupine Herd across northern Alaska and Canada. A fictionalized narrative provides a deeper connection to the journey of a caribou mother and calves. Realistic illustrations contribute to the soft, yet knowledge-filled text of this lovely story. ( )

This picture book follows the caribou in the Porcupine herd on a 3,000 mile migration across Alaska’s Northeast and Canada’s Yukon all the way to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The book documents specific dangers along the way they may encounter such as wolves, bears, eagles, and inclement weather. The story incorporates realistic detailed oil paintings that truly capture Alaska’s landscapes. ( )

Non-Fiction: Picturebook
Miller, Debbie S. A Caribou Journey. Illust. by Jon Van Zyle. Little, Brown, and Co., 1994. Unp. Upper Elementary and above
This informative, moving story follows a caribou family within the Porcupine herd on their yearly migration nearly 3,000 miles each year from northeast Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory to the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They encounter many perils along the way including predators like wolves, grizzly bears, golden eagles, and severe weather conditions. Theme is survival. Story is told in the third person narrative. Text is accompanied by lovely realistic paintings.
AK: Caribou, tundra, northern animals and conditions
Activity: Have the students trace the journey the caribou take on their yearly migration on a large map of Alaska and Northwestern Canada. ( )