The first year of life of a snowy owl is described. Ookpik hatches in the Arctic during spring. He grows quickly during the short summer season. When autumn arrives, Ookpik instinctively knows that he must leave the Arctic or starve. The author describes Ookpik's journey south. He sees things for the first time, such as trees. Natural surroundings are changing as Ookpik travels from the barren Arctic to the taiga, and finally arrives at his destination in the Adirondack Mountains.

Science grade 2 (2010). Science grade 6 (2009). .