Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Readers are invited to count from one to 10 with photographs of aquatic animals, described in brief, vivid captions: "5 pink sea star arms. Five arms on this pink sea star bend and flex. Tube-like suckers underneath these arms hold the sea star in place." Small sidebar boxes provide surprising animal facts, and the images showcase the wild diversity of undersea color: seven glass eye fish are blazing red, and nine hammerhead sharks swim as a group in sunlight-infused turquoise water. Appended animal facts and a note from photographer Skerry provide additional insight into each species and the process of capturing them on film. Ages 2-5. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-In this stellar counting book, each spread features a vibrant color photograph of a different kind of ocean animal; a paragraph of perfectly composed, informative text and a "Did you know?" side box; and a large numeral (from one to ten) that stands out against the background. It is easy to identify the creatures to be counted as there aren't any confusing distractions. Lawler engages readers by calling attention to details or posing questions: How do you think this shark got its name? Its head is shaped like a hammer." Back matter includes a map "Where the Pictures Were Taken," activities, and more. This beautifully designed book will attract young readers.-Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ (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
This early introduction to marine life features double-page spreads with close-up color photographs and interesting information about ocean animals, from one green sea turtle to ten Bermuda sea chub fish. Fact boxes concisely summarizing basic details of each animal and a world map pinpointing the locations of the photos are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos. (c) Copyright 2013. 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
Gorgeous photographs and straightforward counting offer preschoolers a few facts about some ocean animals. As is to be expected for a National Geographic title, Skerry's photographs take center stage. Each double-page spread is filled completely with a close-up of the featured species in its natural environment, capturing a small slice of life and hooking readers. From the photo of the hammerhead sharks, seen in shadow from underneath, to the brilliantly colored glass eye fish that "dart and dip" such that the picture's background shows a slight blur, each page turn surprises. Young readers will be fascinated by the mix of mammals, fish and invertebrates--a green sea turtle, Bermuda sea chub, harp seals, star-eyed parrotfish, Caribbean reef squid, Adlie penguins, sea otters--that represent a wide range of marine environments. The brightly colored numerals in the corners are prominent, while a brief paragraph tells about each of the 10 different marine species, giving basic facts and frequently drawing readers in with a question. "Five arms on this pink sea star bend and flex. Tube-like suckers underneath these arms hold the sea star in place. What else do the suckers do? They grab food and help the sea star move." "Did you know" boxes provide one other tidbit. Backmatter includes more counting practice, facts about each species (home, size, food, predators, young), a map, glossary and list of resources. A great counting and learning combination. (Informational picture book. 3-5)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
