Review by Booklist Review
After an introduction to the ocean and its importance to all life on the planet, Becker gets right down to the nitty-gritty, presenting dozens of hands-on activities illustrating ideas related mainly to sea creatures. Generally simple to carry out, the projects are presented with a list of materials, step-by-step directions, and a discussion section called What's Going On? Topics include layers of water in the ocean, fat as an insulator for marine mammals, methods of camouflage used by sea creatures, and why some whales have baleen, while others have teeth. The full-color illustrations include digital drawings of the projects described as well as photos of the ocean and its inhabitants. Sidebars carry additional information related to the activities. While sounding alarm bells about changes in the temperature, acidity, and oxygen in the world's oceans, Becker encourages readers to learn about the ocean and to take action on behalf of Earth's Big Blue Sea. --Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"You cannot live without the ocean. Your blood, sweat and tears are all versions of seawater we carry within us so we can survive on land," writes Becker in a book that features hands-on experiments involving ocean life. Areas of focus include convection currents, which readers can explore by creating an underwater volcano in a jar; whale communication; and oil spills. Photographs, illustrations, sidebars, and charts combine a playful spirit with valuable insight into ocean health. Ages 8-12. Agent: Lauren Macleod, the Strothman Agency. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Even students far from coastlines can participate in hands-on activities to learn about the ocean. More than 30 simple experiments employ everyday materials to investigate topics such as currents, salinity, pollution, and camouflage. Sidebars with diagrams and photos cover current issues including environmental threats and ways to help. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Simple activities are used to demonstrate scientific principles related to the ocean and its inhabitants. Some reliably illustrate important concepts, while others contribute little. Accompanying the activities is information about threats to marine and global environmental health, as well as steps readers can take to play a role in conservation. Cartoonlike illustrations, diagrams, and photographs aid comprehension of the science. Ind. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Bite-sized pieces of information and hands-on explorations teach readers all about the sea, from its composition and currents to its problems and energy potential. In simple terms but with scientific vocabulary, Becker introduces such diverse topics as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, density, desalination, sea-floor spreading, global warming, tsunamis, oil spills, osmosis, camouflage and overfishing. Almost every spread provides readers with something to do, whether small lifestyle changes that will help the ocean or a hands-on demonstration. One such invites readers to explore the ways the two different types of whales eat by using a fork and a toothbrush to "feed." Over half the book is dedicated to the amazing adaptations that help ocean animals survive--swim bladders, echolocation, blubber and body shapes are just a few. Fascinating facts appear throughout and are sure to amaze. How many readers know that seabird sneezes are actually a really concentrated salt spray? But this compendium of facts and fun is not without its flaws. The lack of a bibliography means readers cannot check facts, especially when they doubt their veracity (as they should in a few instances). Also, the demonstrations/experiments do not always accomplish their stated intent. Beautiful photographs are scattered throughout, but the bulk of the visuals falls to Dawson, whose illustrations have a retro look and color to them. The sheer breadth of information presented here and its appealing format make this an invaluable resource, especially when accompanied by a knowledgeable adult to guide and correct. (table of contents, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
