A day at the beach–what could be more fun and relaxing? Whether exploring on the shore, swimming, diving, surfing, sailing, or just gazing at the horizon, people have always been drawn to the sea. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the planet, yet they are vastly underexplored and mysterious. The depths of the ocean may be out of reach for all but the most adventurous of scientists, but anyone can explore the shores and tide pools or learn to snorkel and dive in coral reefs. As families head to the beach this summer, they may want to take along books about shore creatures or those that live in the deepest, darkest places on Earth. There are stories, identification guides, and information about people who make their living from the seas. There are books on the joys of the beach and on the vitality of the oceans; now we know that human activities are presenting challenges to their survival. Children may be outraged by the pollution and other damage that has been inflicted on this crucial part of their environment and inspired to make change. Teachers will find many books to draw students into the topic, encouraging interaction and further research. Whether studying biomes, plants and animals, ecology, geography, or considering the future for human life on our planet, there are books to fill the heart, mind, and imagination with wonder and respect for the sea.

ELEMENTARY

Fiction

CHERRY, Lynne. The Sea, the Storm, and the Mangrove Tangle. illus. by author. Farrar. 2004. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-374-36482-3. Gr 2-5–This cycle-of-life story and lesson in the preservation of habitat and wildlife focuses on a mangrove island that lies just offshore in a tropical environment. A drifting mangrove seed, or propagule, comes to rest in a lagoon, and over the next hundred years becomes home and refuge to a wide variety of creatures. Illustrations are lush and realistic, and the endpapers provide habitat maps and animal identification guides. COOPER, Elisha. Beach. illus. by author. Scholastic/Orchard. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-68785-0. K-Gr 4–Impressionistic watercolors, sometimes panoramic, sometimes many to a page like scattered snapshots, give a strong sense of the life on a beach throughout a summer day. There’s a wealth of information in these paintings and in the brief text, from the many activities people engage in to the surrounding habitats. Use in storytime, art class, or a discussion of habitat and the impact of people on their environment. DAVIS, Lambert. Swimming with Dolphins. illus. by author. Scholastic/Blue Sky. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-439-47257-9. K-Gr 2-Seeing a pod of dolphins playing in the ocean while on a beach or in a boat is a magical moment and can inspire a desire to learn more about these intelligent mammals and their habitat. This simple story about a girl and her mother captures just such an experience with rich, realistic paintings, and is a good beginning to a discussion of the sea and its creatures. RYAN, Pam Muñoz. Hello, Ocean. illus. by Mark Astrella. Charlesbridge. 2001. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-88106-987-7; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-88106-988-4. PreS-Gr 3-Large, vibrant paintings that are almost photographic depict a young girl exploring the beach with all five senses. The text is brief and poetic and “sense” words are bolded. This book can be used to discuss the beach, explore vocabulary, and inspire writing exercises with children. SCHERTLE, Alice. All You Need for a Beach. illus. by Barbara Lavallee. Harcourt/Silver Whistle. 2004. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-15-216755-4. PreS-Gr 2-Simple rhyming text and full- page, soft watercolor illustrations evoke a day at the shore. While this book would work even with toddlers, the text that often appears at the bottom corner of a spread generates interaction and lends itself to conversation about the beach or sandy art projects. ST. PIERRE, Stephanie. What the Sea Saw. illus. by Beverly Doyle. Peachtree. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-359-7. Gr 1-3-Large, close-up paintings of seashore ecosystems from a variety of perspectives shed light on life on the beach, in the dunes, in tide pools, and under the sea. The illustrations are as dramatic as the text is simple, but the additional information included about ecosystems and how to visit a habitat without damaging it makes this a good transition from storytime to science lesson.

Nonfiction

ARNOSKY, Jim. Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore. illus. by author. Dutton. 2004. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47104-2. Gr 2-5-Designed to look like a homemade journal, this book will inspire investigation and craft, and guide readers on the art of beachcombing and the study of sea creatures. Watercolor paintings are simple but detailed enough to be used as an identification guide for the shells, corals, and other animals that are likely to be encountered on the beach. COLLARD, Sneed B. One Night in the Coral Sea. illus. by Robin Brickman. Charlesbridge. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-389-1; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-390-7. Gr 3-6–Brilliantly colored, 3-D paper sculptures were photographed to create the lush and surprisingly realistic illustrations that showcase the corals and other animals of the Great Barrier Reef. The focus here is on a unique event–the coral mass spawning that occurs one night a year. Coral reproduction is a relatively new discovery, and it is explained scientifically but simply. CRENSON, Victoria. Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebirds: The Story of a Food Web. illus. by Annie Cannon. Marshall Cavendish. 2003. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7614-5115-0. Gr 3-6-Migrating animals at two ends of a food web create a picture of a balanced habitat that could easily change if one part disappeared. Watercolor paintings depict the shore, the sea, and the many animals that live there. While extinction and the repercussions are not discussed in the text, the drop in numbers of horseshoe crabs is noted as cause for concern and study. DAVIES, Nicola. One Tiny Turtle. illus. by Jane Chapman. Candlewick. 2001. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-1549-9; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2311-1. Gr 1-4-Vibrant paintings take readers into the depths of the ocean as one loggerhead sea turtle journeys through the cycle of life. From the seaweed “nursery,” through the decades as it grows into maturity, the female turtle travels, eats, and finally returns to the beach to lay her eggs. Large text tells the story while smaller text adds factual information, making this a useful first nonfiction book. FRANKLIN, Carolyn. Ocean Life. illus. by author. Children’s Press. 2008. PLB $29. ISBN 978-0-531-20451-0; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-531-20542-6. Gr 3-6-Colorful illustrations of sea creatures stream over the pages along with brief answers to questions about animals that live in various parts of the ocean. Acetate layovers add interest and a sense of action, and true/false questions scattered throughout could be used to inspire research. GIBBONS, Gail. Coral Reefs. illus. by author. Holiday House. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2080-3. Gr 2-5-Simple watercolor illustrations fill the pages while captions and labels provide an explanation of coral reefs. Different kinds of coral reefs, propagation, growth, and the variety of creatures that live there are covered in a clear and lively manner. The final spread shows a class trip to an aquarium, a fine follow-up to a fun and informative book, whether the visit is real or virtual. HAYDON, Julie. Marine Biologists. Smart Apple Media. 2004. PLB $27.10. ISBN 978-1-58340-540-6. Gr 3-6-Working as a marine biologist may seem like a fantasy job to some children. Several “case studies” are used to give real-life examples of the work of these scientists, and there’s an interview with a woman in the field. The history of marine biology is briefly covered, and activities for students who want to get involved in the profession are suggested. HIRSCHI, Ron. Ocean Seasons. illus. by Kirsten Carlson. Sylvan Dell. 2007. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9777423-2-5; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-9343591-6-7. PreS-Gr 3-Vibrant watercolors take children on a journey through the seasons deep in the Pacific Ocean. Life cycles and food webs come alive as the brief, poetic text follows sea otters, fish, whales, birds, seals, and other creatures from spring through winter. Printable Food Web Cards and fact pages on the publisher’s Web site extend the experience. MASIELLO, Ralph. Ralph Masiello’s Ocean Drawing Book. illus. by author. Charlesbridge. 2006. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-529-1; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-530-7. Gr 2-5-Before or after a trip to the beach or aquarium, children may draw more than a dozen sea animals by following simple, step-by-step directions. Variations of different kinds of corals and sharks are included, and animals can be combined to create scenes. Best of all are the author’s suggestions for creating imaginary ocean life forms. O’BRIEN, John & Max Bilkins. The Beach Patrol. illus. by John O’Brien. Henry Holt. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-6911-2. Gr 2-5–The focus here is on lifeguards-their responsibilities, the accoutrements of their job, a little bit of history, and a variety of emergencies. Busy watercolor illustrations spread across the pages along with brief text that labels and describes the action. Additional small illustrations run along the bottom defining terms and equipment. Use this to promote beach safety and to supply background to beach studies. SERAFINI, Frank. Looking Closely Along the Shore. photos by author. Kids Can. 2008. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55453-141-7. K-Gr 3-Close-up photography accompanied by bold, brief rhyming text will draw the attention of even large groups of children. This guessing game (peek-a-boo pages lead to full pictures with a few facts) works as an introduction to some sea creatures that may be found on a beach and will inspire curiosity and interaction.

Middle School

Nonfiction

BAKER, Beth. Sylvia Earle. Lerner. 2006. PLB $27.93. ISBN 978-0-8225-3422-8. Gr 4-7–Sylvia Earle has loved adventure, especially in the water, since she was a toddler. Her story will entice young scientists to dive further into the field. There is plenty of information on the variety of areas in which a marine biologist can work and on the challenges of being a famous female scientist and explorer. Earle has written about the ocean and campaigns for protection of ocean environments. BALLESTA, Laurent & Pierre Descamp. Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm. National Geographic. 2007. Tr $40. ISBN 978-1-4262-0186-8. Gr 6 Up-Science essays and poetic captions accompany the 400 stunning photographs in this oversize book that explores the oceans and their many differing environments. Providing insight into the habitats that cover nearly 75 percent of the planet and the many threats that endanger them, this is a useful accompaniment to ocean study. Younger children will also be able to appreciate the spectacular photographs. BURNS, Loree Griffin. Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion. Houghton. 2007. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-618-58131-3. Gr 4-8-From Benjamin Franklin, an early ocean scientist who studied currents to improve the speed of ships crossing the Atlantic, to Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, a modern scientist who studies the movement of floating trash in the sea, Burns explains how and why scientists study ocean movement and includes ideas on how to solve the problem of trash in the ocean. BUTTERFIELD, Moira. Who Eats Who at the Seashore? Smart Apple Media. 2006. PLB $28.50. ISBN 978-1-58340-963-3. Gr 4-7-Food chains at seashores around the world are explored in this book filled with photographs, fact boxes, and line drawings of the food chains and larger food web. Human involvement, as part of the chain and as a threat, is touched upon. If you can get past the bad grammar of the title, this covers a topic at the heart of any habitat study. FLETCHER, Ralph. Have You Been to the Beach Lately?: Poems. photos by Andrea Sperling. Scholastic/Orchard. 2001. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-531-30330-6. Gr 5-9-Poems, written in the voice of an adolescent boy and accompanied by soft black-and-white photographs, evoke the sense of well-being and peace that suffuses people at the beach. While the narrator still feels like a child playing in the sand and waves, he now notices girls, along with tides and animals. The selections will inspire thoughtful conversation and creative writing. HANSEN, Judith. Seashells in My Pocket: AMC’s Family Guide to Exploring the Coast from Maine to Florida. 3rd ed. illus. by Donna Sabaka. Appalachian Mountain Club Bks. 2008. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-929173-61-7. Gr 4 Up-This handy reference covers shells, creatures, plants, birds, even insects that can be found along the Eastern shores of the United States. The chatty tone encourages safe exploration, and the simple line drawings are sufficient for identification. A ruler printed on the back of the book and easily duplicated checklists of the creatures are an added help when documenting finds. INSKIPP, Carol. Healthy Seas. Smart Apple Media. 2007. PLB $31.35 ISBN 978-1-58340-980-0. Gr 6-10-The many threats to the sustainability of the oceans are laid out clearly, with dramatic facts, photographs, and graphs. Case studies on specific habitats, animals, and incidents are presented, and actions that can reduce the impact of climate change, pollution, overfishing, and tourism are addressed with a convincing sense of urgency. NORTON, Trevor. Underwater to Get Out of the Rain. Da Capo. 2004. Tr $25. ISBN 978-0-306-81487-7; pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-0-306-81536-2. Gr 8 Up–Norton’s humor and easygoing style will have readers learning to love the sea and the shore as they become absorbed in his storytelling, which compares well with the nature writing of Bill Bryson. Science merges with literature and simple line drawings enhance the narrative. This is an engaging read for students studying marine life. NOUVIAN, Claire. The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss. Univ. of Chicago. 2007. Tr $45. ISBN 978-0-226-59566-5. Gr 8 Up-This large book of photographs of life at the deepest depths of the ocean is filled with animals that few humans will ever see. Bizarre and fantastical, the striking illustrations are accompanied by essays written by distinguished scientists who are able to convey a sense of wonder along with information. This will capture the interest of even the most jaded students. PARKER, Steve. Seashore. DK. 2004. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-0720-3. Gr 5-9-Focusing on the parts of the oceans that are accessible from land, this typical “Eyewitness” entry is filled with photos and illustrations along with brief text, mostly in the form of captions. History, geology, flora, fauna, and human impact are all explored briefly, making this a useful additional resource. A spread on studying the shore could be used to plan a field trip or science project. WOODWARD, John. Oceans Atlas. w/ CD-ROM. DK. 2007. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-2557-3. Gr 4-8-This introduction is loaded with photographs and illustrations. Information appears mostly in captions; the book covers science, geography, history, and biology. Plastic overlays add an interactive element and make effective points. The CD-ROM features a few animations–the ones on wind force and rising sea levels have the greatest impact. YOUNG, Karen Romano. Across the Wide Ocean: The Why, How, and Where of Navigation for Humans and Animals at Sea. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2007. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-009086-9; PLB $19.89. ISBN 978-0-06-009087-6. Gr 4-8–Following a sea turtle, a right whale, a blue shark, and humans in boats as they navigate the oceans, this book is packed with information, photographs, paintings, and maps. It encourages interaction and could be used as a springboard to projects as children research and play the parts of the animals and ships moving through the seas.

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Susan Oliver is Chief Librarian at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, Florida.