Book Review of Sea Without a Shore
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The Children’s Book Review
Written by Barb Rosenstock
Illustrated by Katherine Roy
Ages: 4-6 | 19 Pages
Publisher: Norton Young Readers (2024) | ISBN: 9781324016076
What to Expect: Sargasso Sea, ocean habitats, life cycles, diversity, and resilience.
In this beautifully illustrated science story, readers will learn about the rich and diverse communities of marine life that develop on the clumps of Sargassum seaweed for which the Sargasso Sea is named.
Way out in the Atlantic Ocean, far from land and humans and human civilizations, complex and rich communities are developing. In a unique patch of ocean known as the Sargasso Sea, these communities begin with just a small, lonely, floating fragment of seaweed. All it does is spin and float and grow. However, that fragment grows and supports life, from the first tiny bryozoans and hydroids all the way to muscles, shrimp, swordfish, and even great humpback whales. From what starts as small and isolated, a mighty community can form and thrive simply by being, growing, and welcoming others to itself.
While Sea Without a Shore is rich in scientific names and concepts, it is far more than an informational book. It is a poetic exploration and celebration of diversity, with a strong message about the abilities of communities to grow and thrive even where there might seem to be nothing to support them. The stunning, softly colored watercolor illustrations render the marine environment as an enticing find-and-seek game, inspiring readers to search within the fronds of seaweed for the hidden creatures described so precisely in the text. An informational section at the end of the book introduces readers to the science behind the story, fueling the thirst for more exploration.
Sea Without a Shore is not just a story, it’s a journey of discovery. Thought-provoking, instructive, and beautifully produced, it is the perfect tool to introduce young readers to the beauty and complexity of marine environments.
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About the Author
Barb Rosenstock is the author of several children’s books, including The Noisy Paint Box, which received a Caldecott Honor. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.
About the Illustrator
Katherine Roy is the creator of the Sibert Honor Book Neighborhood Sharks and, most recently, Making More. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon.
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