The ABCs of Oceans

Children's Literature - Carly Reagan

With subject names ranging from "B is for Butterfly fish" to "Z is for Zones of the ocean," the alphabet-corresponding subjects reach beyond just naming oceans and dive into the undersea world, where what seems like a different planet exists. The broad world of sea life is explained, piece by random piece, using creative subjects. For example, "Y is for You are an Ocean," which explains that humans are ¾ salty water, just like the earth. As the earth is mostly made of water, there is more variety of life under the water than above it, but it seems unattainable until it is explained to us in simple books such as this. One in a series of alphabetically-organized nature books called "The ABCs of the Natural World," in which many aspects of the natural world are explained in short, easy paragraphs, complete with an index and a useful glossary. Colorful photographs by a variety of photographers add a realistic, educational touch that helps readers match the facts they are learning about ocean life with what it really looks like, going beyond the typical dull, faded textbook approach. Though many of the facts provided are information that is covered in the classroom and in classroom textbooks, there are a few rare sea creatures listed that do not come up often. (Have you ever heard of an underwater Christmas Tree Worm?) Adding this book to the available supplemental learning materials in the classroom may help the child who is a visual learner to grasp concepts that may otherwise be difficult. This entire series would be a great addition to the classroom on the science shelf, as the colorful photographs, interesting facts, and simple writing style make it both fun and educational forchildren of almost any age. Reviewer: Carly Reagan