Synopsis
This beautiful book presents a comprehensive look at life in a coral reef.
Marine biologists believe coral reefs existed 400 million years ago, well before the age of dinosaurs. Today, this active environment is home to about 200,000 kinds of brilliantly colored coral, plants, and animals.
Children's Literature
Anyone from teacher or children s librarian to parent or grandparent should sit up and take notice when this skilled author/illustrator s name appears on a book. When the book is about the colorful world of coral reefs, you are sure to see something downright magical. Accompanied by vivid, luminous illustrations, the well-written text includes what makes up a hard or soft coral reef, reef zones, marine creatures to be found in or near coral reefs, protecting coral reefs, and even how to visit a coral reef if you do not live near one (aquariums often have outstanding coral reef displays) and much more. Along the way, Gibbons includes some not-commonly known information. For instance, she lists three types of coral reefs: fringe reef, barrier reef and atoll and shares the fact that the Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space. The author also describes daytime and nighttime on a coral reef. This book is highly recommended for private or public libraries as well as classrooms. Imagine the art projects that this book can inspire! Reviewer: Judy Crowder