Beneath the Sun

This lyrical tour of a variety of habitats offers young readers vivid glimpses of animals as they live out the hot season under the blazing sun.

When the sun is shining brightly, people put on sunscreen or scurry inside to cool off. But how do wild animals react to the sizzling heat?

Journey from your neighborhood to a field where an earthworm loops its long body into a ball underground, to a desert where a jackrabbit loses heat through its oversized ears, to a wetland where a siren salamander burrows into the mud to stay cool, and to a seashore where a sea star hides in the shade of a seaweed mat.

Constance R. Bergum's glowing watercolors perfectly capture the wonder of a hot, sunny environment.

Melissa Stewart has written more than 180 science books for children. Her books have won numerous honors, including CCBC Choices, Bank Street Best Children's Books, NSTA Recommends, Green Earth Book, and Parents' Choice Recommended awards. She offers live and virtual school visits as well as programs for educators.

Constance R. Bergum grew up in Montana and received an MFA in illustration from Marywood University. After a career as a graphic designer, she began illustrating children's books. She lives in Montana.