Bookmarks: Iditarod Race and Alaska Picture Books

This week, the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race began. Dog lovers from around the world are testing their endurance in the world's longest dog sled race. For the next week or so, our family will be checking out the Iditarod website for details of the race. It is an excellent time to learn a little about Alaska's history, enjoy a good dog story, and hear tales of remarkable skill and courage.

And maybe reading these stories will make me just a little more grateful that I don't live further north!

Here are some children's picture books that we have enjoyed about the Iditarod race and other adventures from Alaska.

The Great Serum Race, Blazing the Iditarod Trail by Debbie S. Miller

The true story of the race against time that began the famous race. Wonderful illustrations combine with the story of the 1925 diphtheria outbreak in Nome and the brave mushers who brought the lifesaving serum.

Mush by Patricia Seibert

An overview of the history of the Iditarod Race, including the dangers found along the trail.

Iditarod Dream by Ted Wood

Youth can compete in a mini version of the Iditarod called the Jr. Iditarod. Through photographs, follow fifteen-year-old Dusty as he prepares, competes, and wins the Jr. Iditarod.

Painter and Ugly by Robert J. Blake

A story of “what could happen” if two dog friends met on the trail of the Jr. Iditarod. The real charm of this book is the wonderful paintings of Alaska.

Akiak by Robert J. Blake

The story of a dog who was going to make it to the finish line – even if he had to travel alone. Another winning book, written and illustrated by Blake.

Alaska's Dog Heroes by Shelley Gill

The Iditarod dogs are not the only ones with amazing stories, this book shares the stories of over a dozen Alaskan dogs.

Big-Enough Anna by Pam Flowers

The true story of the small dog that braved a one year journey across the Arctic. With determination, she showed that you don't have to be the biggest to succeed.

Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog by John Muir, as retold by Donnell Rubay

The famous naturalist Muir wrote about a little dog and their adventures on an Alaskan glacier. This book retells the story for children with remarkable illustrations.

Baby in a Basket by Gloria Rand

A true story from 1917 of a lost baby in the bitter cold of the Alaskan wilderness. Ted Rand's illustrations never fail to add life to a story and they don't fail in this book. I choke up when I read this sweet story with a happy ending.

Hannah's Alaska by Joanne Reiser

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in Alaska? This simple story shares the joys and challenges of life up north with its short winter days and huge summer cabbages.

Kitaq Goes Ice Fishing by Margaret Nicolai

A charming story of a five-year-old boy's first fishing trip with his grandfather. The dramatic oil paintings show life in an Eskimo village.

I hope this is a list that you can use at your local library for fun reading with your children.

What are you reading to your children this week?

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