Starting with one whale shark, we move through the Australian ocean meeting colourful inhabitants and learning about their habitat and behaviours. Shy dugongs, playful clownfish, clever dolphins, stripy sea snakes, hungry turtles, busy parrotfish, spotted rays, wobbly jellyfish, sea stars, snappy crabs and sea horses all appear in the book, with a double-page spread for each creature.
Fascinating facts about their behaviours and habitat are included, as well as a simple environmental message at the end of the book about healthy reefs, seas and planet. There is also a double page showing a summary of the numbers and creatures, where little ones can count the creatures one more time.
I loved the facts about parrotfish pooping out coral they have nibbled with their sharp teeth: it is just the kind of detail that kids relate to! Every animal has a memorable fact or two that will create further conversation or questions.
Author/illustrator Frané Lessac created the very popular Australian Baby Animals, and Under The Sea is a perfect partner to that book. Frané loves to travel and has lived on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, as well as numerous other locations around the world. Now based in Australia, we can feel her enthusiasm and love for the creatures she has studied and included in this book.
The artwork is vibrant and engaging, with lots of little surprise inclusions for readers to discover. It makes good bedtime reading and will be a favourite in libraries due to its eye-catching cover artwork. It is a sturdy hardcover format, for added durability! Suitable for readers of any age.
Here are two examples of the double-page spreads, showing the exquisite artwork and fun facts.
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