Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
Format: Hardcover
Published: Chronicle Books, 2011

Beautiful mixed-media illustrations in wintry blues and greys depict the "secret kingdom" under the snow where small animals live through the winter. Messner's text is a skillful blend of story and science. A father and daughter go cross country skiing and spot evidence of the many forest animals living under the snow, including shrews, voles, snowshoe hares, bullfrogs, and more. They also observe signs of larger predators. An Author's Note provides additional information about the fascinating subnivean zone between the snow and the ground. Messner also identifies and provides information about each of the animals featured in the story. An excellent choice for home or classroom. Ages 4-7.