A is for Australian reefs by Frane Lessac

Frane Lessac, author/illustrator of A is for Australia and A is for Australian Animals, has created another beautifully presented non-fiction book about Australia’s underwater reefs and the diverse sea life that inhabits these areas.

The letter A show cases a map of Australia with the more well-known reefs mentioned: Ningaloo, Montgomery, Great Barrier Reef and the Great Southern Reef as well as providing facts about reefs in general. Following on from this, the book continues in alphabetical order covering topics such as Biodiversity, Leafy Sea dragons, Sea stars and finally Zebra seahorses.

The more unfamiliar sea creatures mentioned include Xanthid crabs which are recognisable by their black-tipped claws, Peacock mantis shrimp - one of the fastest and strongest in the animal world, Kunes and Kanga nudibranchs which are different coloured sea slugs found on shallow reefs, the Irukandji – one of the most dangerous jellyfish in Australian waters and my favourite sea creature the Handfish which has tiny fins that look like hands and which they use to ‘walk’ along the ocean floor.

Throughout this brightly illustrated book are amazing facts easily accessible for middle grade readers but also perfect as a read aloud for younger readers. The final page has a ‘Spot the Fish’ quiz asking the readers to find some very interesting fish with great names such as Small-mouth Hardyhead or the Humbug. A wonderful resource for all libraries.

Themes: Australia, Underwater Reefs, Sea Creatures, Biodiversity.

Kathryn Beilby