Synergy: Celebrating Oceans

OCEANS are very large bodies of salt water. Examples include the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic oceans. Oceans over 70.8% of the Earth.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

FROM SHORE TO OCEAN FLOOR: THE HUMAN JOURNEY TO THE DEEP written by Gill Arbuthnott and illustrated by Christopher Nielsen dives down through each level of the ocean from the shore to the floor. Each chapter explores explorations and life at a different level. The book begins with an ocean timeline and concludes with discoveries and reasons why oceans are important. From shipwrecks and volcanoes to marine biologists, readers explore a wide range of topics through text blocks, comics, infographics and other interesting visuals. ARC courtesy of Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

THE LAST UNEXPLORED PLACE ON EARTH: INVESTIGATING THE OCEAN FLOOR WITH ALVIN THE SUBMERSIBLE written by Aly Brown introduces middle grade readers to deep sea exploration. Readers learn about Allyn Vine’s idea for a deep-sea research submersible and the creation of the Alvin. Along the way, readers read about fascinating discoveries made by this amazing submersible. Photographs, fact boxes, and experiments ideas are woven into the narrative. ARC courtesy of Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan.

AMAZING OCTOPUS written by Michael Stavaric and illustrated by Michèle Ganser takes readers on an interactive exploration of this intelligent creature and its world. After introducing readers to history of the universe including the ocean, readers learn about the many types of octopus. Fun facts, jokes, and interesting images are woven throughout the narrative. ARC courtesy of Pushkin Children’s Books, an imprint of Steerforth Press.

A IS FOR AUSTRALIAN REEFS by Frané Lessac is an alphabet book exploring the wide range of creatures living among the reefs along Australia’s coastline. Each two-page spread introduces a letter, word, and key concept along with a brightly colored image labeled with fascinating information. The book concludes with a “spot the fish” activity. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

OCTOPUS! SMARTEST IN THE SEA by Ginjer L. Clarke is a leveled, intermediate reader featuring fascinating information about octopuses. Combining outstanding underwater photography with easy-to-read informational passages, Clarke engages readers in the underwater world of the octopus. ARC courtesy of Penguin Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Book Review: Also an Octopus

ALSO AN OCTOPUS by Maggie Tokuda-Hall is an engaging picture book exploring how stories are created.

This inspirational picture book tells the story of how stories are built. The author begins with a blank page, adds characters, and builds the plot using a silly situation sure to capture the imagination of young readers.

Librarians will find this book to be a useful way to introduce the elements of stories to young writers. Work with primary teachers to weave this book into the language arts curriculum.

Learn more about the author at http://www.prettyokmaggie.com/.

Published by Candlewick Press on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Octopus Escapes Again!

OCTOPUS ESCAPES AGAIN! by Laurie Ellen Angus is an informational adventure following an octopus seeking dinner.

This fascinating story features an octopus on a quest for food. Along the way, readers learn about the habitat and behaviors of this amazing sea creature including how it uses clouds of ink, jet propulsion, and camouflage as defense. Woven into the narrative are interesting facts about the octopus. The book concludes with additional information and learning activities.

The author/illustrator’s use of large, easy-to-read text along with colorful, collage techniques will be appealing for many young readers.

Librarians will find this nonfiction narrative to be popular with students and teachers seeking high-quality information along with an engaging story. With both alliteration and repetition, the author’s lyrical approach makes this a good read-aloud choice.

Published by Dawn Publications on September 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk

THE OCTOPUS SCIENTISTS: EXPLORING THE MIND OF A MOLLUSK by Sy Montgomery provides a fascinating look at the world of scientists studying octopus.

Part of the Scientists in the Field collection, the author provides stunning photographs to go with the interesting and informative scientific narrative. The story follows a group of scientists at the CRIBE’S field station as they collect information about the elusive octopus.

In addition to the engaging story of scientific investigation, the book also includes pages focusing on the scientists and fact sheets providing in-depth information on topics such as creature camouflage.

Feature this book in a library display focusing on creatures of the coral reef. Be sure teachers are aware of this growing collection of high-quality science books. The entire Scientists in the Field collection is a great way to address STEM standards and encourage careers in the sciences.

To learn more about the Scientists in the Field books, go to http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com.

To learn more about the author, go to http://symontgomery.com.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on May 26, 2015.