Ocean

K-Gr 3--This intriguingly illustrated title invites young readers to think about the incredible features of sea creatures. From the very first page, the text and illustrations generate a feeling of awe about ocean creatures, their variety of shapes and sizes, and the characteristics that enable them to survive. Kids learn that there are still "thousands" of sea creatures waiting to be found. Appealing headers help generate interest: "Gorgeous Glow" (animals that create or reflect light), "Super Shells" (animals that grow shells and shed them as they grow and animals whose shells continue to grow throughout their lives), and "Fantastic Fins" (fins used to swim, glide above the surface of the water, and crawl). The text also raises many questions that guide readers to contemplate the illustrations: Which creature has a shell? Who has tentacles? Who here has one tall fin on its head? Text and illustrations work beautifully together to inform readers and spark their interest in learning even more. VERDICT A book with snappy titles, colorful illustrations, and just enough new information so that children will feel informed and eager to discover more about sea creatures. A fine addition to animal studies and for individual reading and browsing.--Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York