"I stop kicking and stare, my heart beating
fast. Papa lays a gentle hand on my shoulder
and signals that it's safe to swim on.
Slowly ...
slowly ...
a nurse shark circles the reef, searching the
sand with a mouth made for slurping up
urchins and squid."
This is the eighth in an outstanding series of nonfiction books that take young readers into habitats that have included a close look at Snow, Dirt, Pond, Rainforest, Canyon, Waves and Wetland. Each is quite remarkable in its own right; as a series, they are a fascinating and thorough exploration of places familiar to many without such depth in research.
A father and son walk across the sand on a sunny beach right to the edge of the sea. They are equipped with snorkeling gear and ready to make their way into the ocean that beckons beside them. Noticing a sea turtle dive deep into the water, the father explains that it is making its way to the coral reef that is home to many creatures. The two swim off.
It is the child's first-person voice that gives real authenticity to their experience. He lets readers know how it feels to float where the sounds heard are 'bubbles and breath'. Below he can see sea stars on the sand. Papa points to deeper water and they become observers of a multitude of sea life. The colors and the constant movement hold their attention as they peacefully float above, taking it all there is to see. Taking care to avoid danger, they continue forward, peacefully drifting with the pull of the current. A surprise visit with a barracuda has them holding their breath and their spot, while watching that massive fish open its mouth wide to capture its prey. What an astonishing sight!
Papa has another surprise in store.
"Papa points to something below us and dives.
I fill my lungs with air and follow him down
for a closer look."
Although Papa thinks it's time to return to shore, his boy wants a few minutes more to take in as much as he can. There is so much to see ... As they move ashore, they take note of mangroves, lizards, tree frogs, salt and sand. It's been quite the day.
Christopher Silas Neal, as he has done in every other book in this worthwhile series, uses mixed media to perfectly match the captivating words. The gorgeous colors, the movement, the perspectives, and the realistic setting take readers right onto the coral reef to make new and lasting discoveries about this truly beautiful ecosystem.
Back matter includes an author's note which speaks to Ms. Messner's love of marine life and coral reefs. In it, she offers ways for readers to protect them by being cognizant of recycling, and environmental protections. A comprehensive list ofthe animals here included offers a thumbnail sketch and a short description of each that will encourage readers to go back to the text and find the animals described. A list for further reading is added.
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