Enter the World of the Polar Bear

"The Book & Diorama Series--an innovative children's book program with the world-famous American Museum of Natural History: each title is a collectible treasure box that fits in the hand--and fills an entire imagination.

Three million visitors a year visit the American Museum of Natural History, and many--if not all--are drawn to the Museum's renowned life-size dioramas. And now, capturing their magical realism, comes a series of dazzling book and diorama sets.

Focusing on an individual animal and re-creating its environment, each title features two custom-sculpted vinyl animals--a mother and baby, created by the Museum's own sculptor--set against a color backdrop in a clear display case.

Nestled into a sleeve on the reverse is a 64-page full-color book packed with science and discovery. "The Polar Bear tells of a majestic animal that can run almost as fast as a horse, jump a 20-foot crevice, swim 100 miles in icy seas, and easily haul an 800-pound seal out of the water.

Christine Economos is a children's author and writer for WNET's "Nature series.

A collectible gift for kids ages 6-9.