Grade 3-7. An interesting, informative look at the Junior Iditarod Sled Dog Race, in which mushers between the ages of 14 and 17 compete in a two-day version of the race. Ted Wood's Iditarod Dream (Walker, 1996) is a photo-essay about Dusty Whittemore, the 1995 Jr. Iditarod Race winner. Shahan focuses more on going step-by-step (or paw-by-paw) through the race itself with background information on the original serum race to Nome in 1925. Where the book really shines is in its superb full-color photography, stunning layouts, torn-page borders, and snowy endpapers. Visually, it's a masterpiece. Children will find the subject fascinating, and the presentation pleasing. Regardless of local weather, Dashing Through the Snow makes winter alluring, at least from the vantage point of an armchair and a roaring fire.
