Dr. Diane McKnight, Antarctic Scientist at the University of Colorado - Boulder, has been inspiring people to study the Antarctic region for nearly two decades. She continues to do so through her wonderful new book The Lost Seal.

The Lost Seal children's story describes the first documented encounter with a live seal in the remote McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. This educational story tells of one seal's travels in the Antarctic desert and provides an engaging framework for conveying how different Antarctica and the Dry Valleys are from the environments with which children are familiar.

"Research scientists camped at the desolate McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica studying the local lakes and streams are one day surprised to find a young Weddell seal in their midst. Tired and hungry, and perhaps lured by the smell of the group’s cheeseburger dinner, the young male is a long way from his natural habitat on the sea ice of McMurdo Sound. Bound by the Antarctic Conservation Act, the scientists know they cannot provide it with sustenance, but instead contact seal scientists who, after some thought, decide they can provide assistance so the seal can return to the sea ice. The seal gets the ride of its life back to its natural habitat, and the scientists name one of the streams they have been studying to commemorate their unlikely campmate." --The Lost Seal

More information on the Lost Seal website.
The story of The Lost Seal was sent to primary school teachers in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Along with the story, students were presented with images from the McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) as well as video of the seal taken at the time of the event. The students then created original artwork featuring different aspects of Antarctica for the book and this website. The Lost Seal is the second in the National Science Foundation - supported LTER children's book series.
How can I get my copy of The Lost Seal?

Order your copy of The Lost Seal directly from Moonlight Publishing for fastest delivery. It is also available through Amazon.