The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef

Even if children don’t quite respond to the gentle socio-environmental message of learning to live in harmony with one’s surroundings, the anime-inspired artwork and oodles of minute details bubbling around each page will have them deeply immersed in the fantastical undersea world.

The cutesy anime-inspired illustrations have some appeal.

The Octonauts are a team of eight underwater explorers who resemble Hello Kitty and friends, but have the gumption of Jacques Cousteau. Capt. Barnacles Bear and his crew, which includes a bunny, octopus, and otter, find their vacation to the Great Reef City interrupted when they discover that the reef is silent and white, like a ghost town. Investigating reveals that the buildings were blocking the sun and preventing healthy algae growth. Kids should be drawn in by the zippy graphics and comprehend the message about conservation. Ages 48. "(Dec.)"

Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

"The parallels that the adult reader can make between fact and fiction, environmental damage and care, are the same subtleties that teach children about relationships and responsibility among habitats. Meomi has created a fun group of loveable characters that take the young reader on an adventure through nature and a reef habitat...I would recommend this resource for any child learning about the environment including oceans and coral reefs." - Resource Links

"The Octonauts are a group of eight unabashedly adorable (but somehow impeccably brave) animal pals who scour the high seas for adventure. Exploring giant bodies of water aren't without their risks of course... finding incredible new underwater worlds or attempting to resolve some of the most intriguing mysteries of the watery deep often send the team into conflict with others. Themes such as pride, managing one's emotions, and dealing with loneliness routinely manifest in the book collection, currently numbered at four, published by San Francisco-based Immedium." - Animation Insider

"Beautifully illustrated, the colors are vivid and the scenes resplendent. Every page has something to draw the eye, yet is filled to the brim with activity. It's a very attractive read. The book does a lot to educate readers about the various creatures and their ocean habitats, labeling them alongside their images. The underlying social and environmental message - primarily focused on the responsibility to care for your surroundings - is presented in a subtle yet effective way. One part mystery, one part adventure, one part gorgeous, this book will likely be a hit with ages 4-8 and beyond." - vegbooks

"the book engages readers through its charming visual appeal! ....[it tells] an interesting story which teaches readers a valuable lesson about caring for the environment.... Recommended." - CM magazine