Award-winning author presents latest children's book at Sudbury library

Author Lindsey 'L.E.' Carmichael is giving a presentation at the South End branch of the Greater Sudbury Public Library on her latest children's book, Polar: Wildlife at the Ends of the Earth.

"It’s all about the adaptations that help polar animals stay warm, find food and raise their babies in two of the harshest habitats on Earth," said Carmichael.

"A lot of animals are showcased in this book. Your favourites, like penguins and polar bears, but also important, tiny animals, like Krill, at the base of the food chain."

Carmichael has written 23 books and told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an interview she switched from being a forensic scientist to an author of books for children and young adults.

"While I loved being a scientist, it’s a little too restrictive," the author said.

"You get to be the world’s foremost expert on a tiny bit of the world. I wanted the freedom to follow my curiosity anywhere that allowed me."

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When asked what the greatest threat to animals in the Arctic and Antarctica is, Carmichael said, "It’s not a surprise to anyone, climate change is the biggest challenge to those animals."

Because the habitats are changing faster than anywhere else in the world, she said, animals will need to be able to adapt quickly enough to stay ahead of the changes.

Carmichael was brought in by Wordstock Sudbury Literary Festival’s youth program, Nickel City Literacy League,and the Greater Sudbury Public Library to give two presentations this week in honour of Canadian Children's Book Week.

Her interview will be posted above soon.