Except Antarctica!
The second feature of January 2026 is here with… Except Antarctica! by Todd Sturgell!
A friend of mine recommended this one, and I am so glad she did! This is a hilariously written and clever story for all the animal lovers out there. With animal facts scattered throughout (PLUS backmatter), children will be learning and laughing at this adventurous tale! One for the classroom and home, both children and adults will love!
When the narrator shares that turtles live on every continent EXCEPT Antarctica, one determined turtle plans to prove the narrator wrong. While on his journey, he recruits more non-Antarctic animals. The turtle and his friends set off on an adventure through forests, fields, and across an entire ocean. But what happens once they actually get to Antarctica?
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these printables below.
Children can reflect on the story by rating it using this 5-star system.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Children can help the animals get to Antarctica by getting through the maze.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
To access the printables below, please visit my Teacher’s Pay Teachers store.
Children can color and cut the picture to paste them in the correct order.
Answer Key:
1. Turtle eating leaves
2. Owl in tree
3. Dung beetle
4. Snake, mouse, bee
5. Turtle, snake, mouse, owl, bee, frog, dung beetle
6. Penguin swimming with suitcase
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can identify the animals that live all over the world, EXCEPT Antarctica!
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can complete this story retell by writing or drawing under the correct heading.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can complete the journal page by finishing the sentence and drawing a picture.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
As with every picture book, I also like to offer a fun hands-on activity as an extension of the book.
The BLUBBER experiment! I remember doing this experiment in science class in elementary school and thinking it was SO cool!
Since there is already SO many fantastic websites and resources out there explaining how to do this science experiment. I will just be linking one and sharing that site as this blog perfectly explains it and everything you need to do this successfully.
The Blubber Experiment goes perfectly with this story as it will show the kids why the animals from the story are found on every continent EXCEPT Antarctica. And will help them understand how the animals that DO live there, survive in such cold conditions.
This image is from the blog, Little Bins Little Hands, where you can also find step by step instructions and all materials needed. Please check it out to learn more about the Blubber Experiment!
Stay tuned for more Picture Books, Printables and Play—OH MY!
