Early on a November morning in 1963, off the coast of Iceland, a volcanic eruption was taking place deep under the ocean. On the surface, the crew of a nearby fishing boat were noticing some strange things: a sulfurous aroma in the air and the ocean swirling around the boat. Then, just before dawn, the volcanic eruption that had been increasing in intensity under the sea broke the surface and spewed lava miles into the air just four miles from their fishing boat. By the next morning, however, something even more incredible had occurred. The cinder cone of the volcano had broken the surface of the water; a new island had been born. It was the newest place on earth.
Come explore this new island where life has just begun. Experience what earth was like in its infancy, when the elements - wind and water, fire and earth -struggled for superiority. Then watch as life slowly develops a foothold here. The story of the birth of this island is powerfully told by Newbery Honor - winning author Kathryn Lasky. Christopher G. Knight's dramatic photographs take the reader to the newest place on earth - Surtsey island.