By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 11, 2013
Shimmer and Splash The Sparkling World of Sea Life
by Jim Arnosky
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hard cover: 42 pages
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
What to expect: Descriptions of many different sea animals and their habitat, with fold-out illustrations
In this beautifully illustrated book, author Jim Arnosky takes the reader on a wonderful exploration of the vast ocean and the many creatures that inhabit it. The book tells personal anecdotes from journals that Mr. Arnosky has kept for many years. The descriptions, as well as the illustrations, are colorful and detailed and give precise information about the many animals that Mr. Arnosky has encountered over the years. It is a wonderful book for all ages.
Moby Dick Chasing the Great White Whale
by Eric A. Kimmel; Illustrated by Andrew Glass
Reading level: Ages 4-6
Hard cover: 32 pages
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
What to expect: An illustrated re-telling of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick
In this beautifully illustrated re-telling of the masterpiece, Moby Dick, readers are introduced to the main characters in a charming rhyming poem. The story unfolds flawlessly and makes the quest accessible to even the youngest readers. The moral of the original story is retold in this one as well–a cautionary tale if ever there was one.
Galapagos Fur Seal At Home in the Tropics and Fur Seal Grows Up
Reading level: Ages 3-7
eBook and Paperback: 32 pages and 24 pages
Publisher: Soundprints
What to expect: The life of a fur seal told in two versions–one as an early reader and one for older readers.
Galapagos Fur Seal At Home in the Tropics provides exquisite details of the daily life of a fur seal living on the Galapagos islands. The seal is old enough to hunt for himself and the authors provide age appropriate information about how and what the fur seal eats. In Fur Seal Grows Up, early readers can discover for themselves how a fur seal spends its days. This simplified version of Galapagos Fur Seal provides easy-to-read and understand information.
Granny’s Clan A Tale of Wild Orcas
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Dawn Publications
What to expect: Descriptions of the activities of a real orca (killer whale) clan
In this intriguing picture book, Dr. Sally Hodson takes the reader on an adventure with a clan of orcas (also known as killer whales). The clan is led by their 100-year old grandmother whale, who teaches the youngest whales where to hunt and where to play. She brings all the members of the clan together in a celebration of family that resonates with all of us.
