Meet the oceans by Caryl Hart. Illus. by Bethan Woollvin

Meet the Oceans is a wonderful vibrant read-aloud book showcasing the main oceans and seas on Planet Earth. Each page is filled with bold, bright colourful illustrations and fun rhyming text to engage the younger reader. The story follows a young child and trusty dog on a mini submarine journey around the major oceans and seas covering Earth’s surface. Along the journey they meet numerous sea creatures and formations such as beluga whales in the Arctic Ocean, silver swordfish in the Atlantic, jawfish in the Caribbean Sea, the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea, giant Blue whales in the Indian Ocean and icebergs, penguins and Antarctic research stations in the Southern Ocean. On the Pacific Ocean pages the author discusses the effects of plastic on sea creatures and on the South China Sea pages talks about large ships jostling for space and seabirds. On the final pages is a plea for us to take care of our oceans and seas and the book finishes with a cleverly drawn map of the world.

This book is a perfect introduction to oceans and seas for early years and primary students. A welcome addition to any home, school or public library.

Themes: World Oceans and Seas, Sea Creatures, Rhyme.

Kathryn Beilby