A Caribou Journey

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.

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.

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 show more the caribou take on their yearly migration on a large map of Alaska and Northwestern Canada. show less

Science: Picture Book Beauty and Harshness of Nature, Animal Behavior
-Miller, Debbie S. A Caribou Journey. Illus by Jon Van Zyle. Sasquatch Books, 1994, Unp, Intermediate.

-This beautifully illustrated book, featuring realistic watercolor illustrations, follows the breathtaking and harsh migratory journey of a caribou herd across the Alaskan wilderness. Miller’s credibility as an author is reinforced by her thorough research and clear, organized presentation of information, along with the intriguing narrative style provided in this book.
-Keywords: Caribou, Migration, Alaskan Wilderness, Wildlife, Nature, resilience, Journey
-Activity: Have students get in groups and create maps showing the migration route of the caribou herd as show more described in the book. Have the students include geographical features and discuss challenges the caribou might face along the way. show less