For those of you living in cooler climes, it might seem strange to feature a book about the ocean in December. But whether you live in a region where you can surf, snorkel, or swim year-round or in a region where ocean and air temperatures drop, there’s always something to see and do and learn about the ocean, as this Perfect Picture Book shows.
Title: OCEAN! Waves for All
Written By: Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated By: David Litchfield
Publisher/Date: Henry Holt and Company/2020
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: ocean, marine life, environmentalism, non-fiction
Opening:
Dude, I am OCEAN. You know my many names: Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, Indian, Southern. It’s all excellent me.
Brief Synopsis: The story of the world’s oceans, told by Ocean itself.
Links to Resources:
- Check out the Back Matter, including an author’s note addressed to Thalassophile (that means ocean lover), how to be a friend to Ocean, sources, and more.
- Take a deep dive to learn more Ocean Facts.
- Try these fun Ocean Crafts.
Why I Like this Book:
Part of her universe series, McAnulty spins a tale about the ocean, its history, and its creatures, narrated by Ocean itself. Using ocean-inspired language and a voice that begs to be read, and reread aloud, McAnulty will have every young scientist and explorer ready to set sail to explore the Ocean.
Lest one think this is not true non-fiction, facts appear on every page. Facts, I wager, that kids will remember. After all, Ocean told them.
And after reading OCEAN! Waves for All, I think every listener will want to help solve the problems that Ocean outlines: the islands of plastic and garbage; over-fishing; and glacial melt. Thankfully, there’s Back Matter with steps showing “How to be a friend to Ocean”.
With the clever use of eyes and other facial features, Litchfield manages to portray Ocean, despite its vastness and perpetual movement, as an actual character to which kids will relate.
Whether in a classroom or at home, kids will read, and reread, OCEAN! Waves for All, again and again, and maybe even start adopting surfer lingo, Dude.
A Note about Craft:
McAnulty uses a winning formula to make earth science interesting, and accessible, to kids: Well-researched facts, words related to the subject sprinkled throughout, the personification of the subject matter, a catchy voice, and addressing the reader directly.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there.
Wander, Ponder, Write 