In this selected curation of both the authors work and others, the illustrations which include sketches, paintings, drawings and photos are a feast for the eyes.

The creators have captured many intriguing aspects from their journey to and from Antarctica. They explain the traditional special ceremony for crossing into the Antarctic Circle and the importance of the Roman god of the ocean, King Neptune. The detailed drawing with the South Polar sea dog names given to people who make the crossing is a beautiful work of art and could keep readers occupied for quite.a while. It is ideal for a fun game testing each others knowledge.

Many people have heard of krill but you will find out why they are so important as are the large variety of fish and other sea creatures, birds the Emporer penguins and their habitat. It is often difficult to appreciate the size of the ice but these illustrations and explanations help.

The book covers the ages of South Polar exploration until present day and some facts about the intrepid explorers such as Mawson, Wendell, Scott and others are sure to surprise and to appreciate just how hardy they were and are.

Both authors write succinctly as they talk about their own experiences at various stages.

This is a book to keep and pass on to younger siblings or keep in the family and would make an ideal gift.

The authors

Alison is involved in many community art projects and spends part of every year travelling to remote Indigenous communities, using her books to help children and adults write and draw about their own lives. In 2012, Alison became Australia's first Children's Book Laureate, a position she shared with Boori Monty Pryor. In 2016, she was awarded the Dromkeen Medal for her outstanding achievement in the creation of Australian children's and young adult literature, and in 2018 she became the first children's book creator to win the Melbourne Prize for Literature, for her outstanding contribution to Australian literature and cultural and intellectual life. In 2019, Alison was awarded an Australia Post Legends Award and featured on a stamp, as well as being the recipient of a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2019 Australia Day Honours List.

Coral Tulloch has illustrated over sixty fiction and non-fiction books for children in Australia and internationally, including Touch the Moon (written by Phil Cummings; published by Allen & Unwin), about the moon landing. Her books include Antarctica: The Heart of the World and One Small Island, which she created with Alison Lester. She has won the 2012 CBCA Book of the Year Award, as well as multiple Environment Awards for Children's Literature. Coral lives in Tasmania.