Environmental Science & Ecosystems, Freshwater & Marine Ecology, Biology - Marine Biology

Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore

Name: Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore
Author: Jim Arnosky
ISBN: 9780525471042

by Jim Arnosky, Gloria Cheng

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Overview

Young sunbathers can learn all about the wonders at the water's edge with Jim Arnosky's fascinating guide. With friendly notes and detailed illustrations of everything from ghost crabs to shark teeth, this award-winning author and wildlife expert outfits kids with the knowledge they need to become avid beachcombers. Take it along on a family vacation or school trip, or make the beach come alive at home with this personal tour of the shore.

Illustrations and text describe some of the many things that can be found on a walk along a beach, including coconuts, shark teeth, jellyfish, crabs and different kinds of shells.

Synopsis

Publishers Weekly

Naturalist Jim Arnosky offers tips for Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore, with which young explorers can identify different shells, crabs, jellyfish and other seaside treasures, all warmly illustrated (some life-size) by the author. With an ever-present eye toward respecting and studying nature, Arnosky explains how palm trees form and the fossilization of shark teeth, among other topics related to the ebb and flow of life on the shore. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

About the Author, Jim Arnosky

Jim Arnosky lives in South Ryegate, Vermont.

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

Children's Literature

While this is a helpful resource for the very young student, it is also a wonderful book for parents and caregivers to share with youngsters before, or during, a visit to the seashore. There are so many treasures to be found in the sand and the tidal basins, and beachcombing is a great activity to be enjoyed with kids. A two-page spread exhibits many types of shells and the author adds a warning to the collector that any inhabited shells should be returned to the water. Crabs, jellyfish, and shore birds are shown as well as special finds such as sea beans and whelk egg cases. Various types of coral are pictured and the chance of coming across a coconut washed in from a faraway place is presented as an interesting prospect. The book has a playful tone, reflecting a love of the beach and the illustrations will encourage the beachcomber in readers of all ages. A listing of books for further study is included. 2004, Dutton/Penguin, Ages 5 to 8.
—Carolyn Mott Ford

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Arnosky, inspired by visits to 26 beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, invites readers to take long walks along the beach and highlights some of the interesting things that they might discover there. The cover and many of the interior spreads are designed to look like a hand-sewn journal. Protected by a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunblock and carrying a pail, a cartoon version of the author looks for crabs, coral, shark teeth, and other items. From the more commonplace (seashells) to the rare and captivating Sea Beans (the seeds of trees that grow along the Amazon), a variety of treasures are identified and described in the conversational text and pastel artwork. Youngsters are encouraged to examine gently and release any living creatures. Warnings against touching jellyfish are included; unfortunately, the spread about these animals is disappointingly vague and only the Portuguese Man-of-War is identified. Still, young beachcombers will discover old and new ideas about collecting or just identifying their finds, and the book will appeal to those children who are looking for relaxing fun.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

"Walk the length of a beach one way. Then turn and walk back, looking down at the very same spots. The view from the opposite direction always reveals something that you missed before." This genial introduction to beachcombing, the fruit of "research" along more than two dozen Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, focuses on the small, common treasures to be found or seen, from sand dollars to mermaid's purses, drifting coconuts to fossilized shark teeth. Wear a hat and sunblock, Arnosky advises, carry a bucket, don't touch stranded jellyfish, and leave living creatures as you find them-all savvy tips for a safe, satisfying outing, even for younger children. For older ones, the author's clear, simple illustrations will help to identify 12 kinds of crabs, 26 kinds of shells, seven birds, and a variety of miscellaneous wrack. An enticing read before any trip beachward, from a veteran naturalist. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)