The Great Barrier Reef

by Helen Scales (Author) Lisk Feng (Illustrator)

The Great Barrier Reef
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

A vibrant guide to the Great Barrier Reef full of surprising factoids and retro illustrations, perfect for children curious about life under the sea! 

Did you know that giant clams can weigh as much as two baby elephants? Or that the shockwave of a pistol shrimp can heat up the surrounding waters to a temperature nearly as hot as the surface of the sun? With nearly 400,000 square kilometers of dazzling color, intricate ecosystems and unique creatures large and small, The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders of our world. Vibrant, dynamic illustrations illuminate this enchanting place, its animal inhabitants, and the peoples who have embraced it as a centerpiece of their cultures. Learn all about how the reef came to be, its place in the world, and perhaps most importantly, what we can all do to help ensure that The Great Barrier Reef will be around for countless future generations to discover!

Select format:
Paperback
$14.99

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School Library Journal

Gr 3-5--A lot of information is contained within the pages of this beautiful, brightly illustrated look at the Great Barrier Reef. There are five main sections: "On the Reef," "Reef Dwellers," "Neighbors of the Reef," "A Human Habitat," and "A New Dawn." Readers learn about the origin of the reef and the dangers it currently faces from climate change. Scales also covers in fascinating detail the many animals and plants that call reef home, and the scientists and ecologists who are studying or actively helping the reef. There are British spellings and vocabulary, reflecting the book's origins; a glossary of bolded words appears in the back matter. Captivating illustrations highlight and enhance the text. VERDICT A very good book for beefing up the coral reef section, or for niche projects on climate change.--V. Lynn Christiansen

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

A very good book for beefing up the coral reef section, or for niche projects on climate change.
—School Library Journal

This gorgeous book feeds my inner marine biologist!
—The Tiny Activist

"Glorious colour and delicate line work, perfectly capturing this sub-aquatic world."
Colours May Vary

One of the greatest natural wonders of our world and we're learning all about it through this beautifully illustrated book.
The World is Their Classroom

"I was surprised to discover that night is often the most active time on the reef when a wonderful array of nocturnal creatures are hunting... Throughout, the author, marine biologist Dr Helen Scales shares her knowledge and enthusiasm writing in an accessible style that will enthrall primary age readers."
—Red Reading Hub

"This stunningly illustrated book is an excellent go-to for children starting to learn about the fragile and yet wondrous ecosystem that is the Great Barrier Reef."
—BookTrust


Helen Scales
Dr. Helen Scales is a marine biologist, diver, broadcaster and author. She has studied many parts of the oceans, from coral reefs in Borneo to the mangroves of Madagascar. She got to know the Great Barrier Reef working as a divemaster. Among her books about ocean life is the bestseller Spirals in Time. Helen presents the Earth Unscrewed podcast and appears regularly on BBC radio as an oceans expert. She advises the charity Sea Changers and teaches at Cambridge University. For part of the year she lives in Cambridge, England and the rest on the Atlantic coast of France


Lisk Feng is an award-winning illustrator from China, who now lives and works in New York. She graduated from the MFA Illustration Practice from Maryland Institute College of Art, and has received awards from the Society of Illustrators and Communication Arts, among others. She is also the illustrator of Everest.


Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781838741471
Lexile Measure
1100
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Nobrow Press
Publication date
July 20, 2023
Series
Earth's Incredible Places
BISAC categories
JNF051100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Science & Ecosystems
JNF003150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Marine Life
JNF025040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Australia & Oceania
JNF037070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Earth Sciences - Water (Oceans, Lakes, Etc.)
Library of Congress categories
History
Picture books
Marine animals
Coral reef ecology
Coral reef animals
Great Barrier Reef (Qld.)

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