Simon and Schuster children's guide to sea creatures

Gr 4-7ÄA broad, inclusive look at marine life. The book begins with a map of the oceans and major seas to amplify the text's explanation, "There are no borders and all the waters flow into one another." Because water temperature affects ocean life so greatly, this map also indicates the major temperature zones. The introductory chapter defines and illustrates the food chain and offers a one-page explanation of marine invertebrates that predominate in the ocean. Then, sections on "Seashore," "Open Ocean," "Seabed," "Deep Sea," "Coral Reefs," and "Polar Seas" present dictionarylike entries on invertebrates, birds, mammals, or fish found in each area. A full-color drawing of each animal appears along with facts relating to its size, scientific name, and range. Some locations are not included (the great black-backed gull, listed as found on the Atlantic Coasts of North America and Europe nevertheless winters in Lake Erie), and the drawings are sometimes idealized. "Focus on..." devotes double-page spreads to such animals as marine turtles, sperm whales, stony coral, and antarctic seals. There are no pronunciation guides. A one-page glossary and a two-page index add to the usefulness of this attractive oversized volume.ÄFrances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Detailed illustrations and photographs accompany very brief physical descriptions of over one hundred animals that live in or near the sea. The book is organized into six habitats: seashore, open ocean, seabed, deep sea, coral reefs, and polar seas. Though not very engaging, the text is clear and is appropriate as a reference tool or field guide for young readers. Glos., ind. From HORN BOOK Fall 1998, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.