Toby and the Ice Giants

Toby is a young bison living over 10,000 years ago in the Ice Age tundra. He decides to go off and explore, meeting lots of other (now extinct) animal species along the way. Through Toby’s eyes we are introduced to a new creature on every double page spread. Some of these animals, such as the much bigger woolly rhinoceros and the predatory smilodon (or sabre toothed tiger) pose a threat to the young bison. Unsurprisingly, by the end of the story, Toby decides he wants to return to the safety of home.

Toby and the Ice Giants successfully includes information within and alongside the simple narrative, with a mini fact file section at the side of each page. The book and end papers include additional interesting information with maps, size comparison charts, images of other extinct animals and a useful glossary. The illustrations are attractive and the book is well designed. Children will enjoy poring over the pages of this book and becoming experts on these exciting creatures who once roamed the earth.