Ocean! Waves for All

April 1, 2020
Explore ocean basics in illustrated storybook format. Ocean narrates and is represented by two large, cheerful blue eyes, a crescent-moon mouth, and disembodied, impossibly elastic arms. Facts are shared conversationally, with vocabulary such as "dude," "stoked," and "chaa." The sentences gather and bend with illustrations, set in contrasting type that occasionally changes color to balance color schemes or emphasize key concepts. Information about the ocean's layers and marine features are presented with concise language and loads of visual interest. Double-page spreads teem with ocean life painted in warm, bright colors. A map serves as illustration when Ocean talks about land arriving--grown-ups may need to clarify that Earth's continents were not always in this current state. Ocean waits until readers are all drawn in and enjoying the wonders to reveal problems like trash islands and ice melt. Consumer-level actions for ocean advocacy are included in the aftermatter, but solutions and action are not discussed in the primary text. A handful of unnamed human characters have diverse skin tones and homogenous body types. Conceptualizing one ocean instead of four nods to global accountability while also allowing for character development. A pleasant dive into deep waters. (author's note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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April 1, 2020
Preschool-G The creators of Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years (2017) return with an autobiographical introduction to Ocean. Employing both casual language and surfer slang ("Dude, I am OCEAN"), McAnulty explains that all oceans are connected, predate land, and are the site of life's origins. She notes oceanic records (the biggest animal is the blue whale), identifies sea layers (sunlight, twilight, midnight, abyss, and trenches), touches on tides, and bemoans the lack of exploration in this biome. Referencing islands of plastic and garbage, Ocean notes, "Sad news, dudes. I'm facing a major WIPEOUT," then urges working together to find solutions. Litchfield's digitally enhanced mixed-media artwork depicts Ocean with blue eyes, a big smile, and long blue arms. Most illustrations teem with sea life, and in several spreads, artwork takes the lead in conveying information, particularly in the scenes featuring ocean layers, volcanoes, and hydrothermal vents. Appended with sources and additional information, this is a worthy addition to the Our Universe series, as well as an entertaining introduction to this topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

June 1, 2020

Gr 1-2-This nonfiction title, the fourth in the series, is narrated by the ocean itself and contains kid-friendly facts. Ocean introduces himself as an Earth-loving dude, interested in helping youngsters learn more about his long life. He explains that he has been around for four billion years and that life began in his waters. He shares some records: Ocean is home to the biggest animal, the longest mountain range, and the largest living structure. But he wants people to get to know him better and to explore his secrets. He also wants his readers to know that some human behavior is impacting him and the creatures that inhabit his waters. The illustrations are brightly colored, and the personification of the ocean will appeal to young readers as they eagerly search for his face on each page. End pages contain extensive information and eco-friendly suggestions to take care of the oceans. VERDICT An engaging introduction to the ocean that children will enjoy looking through more than once.-Annette Herbert, F.E. Smith Elem. Sch., Cortland, NY

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