Let's Make a Difference
Learning about Our Ocean
Colorful images and fascinating facts introduce youngsters to ocean conservation.
Let’s Make a Difference: Learning about Our Ocean is sure to entertain as well as educate. Filled with bright, beautiful pictures and interesting facts, the book focuses on the importance of the ocean.
Learning about Our Ocean offers information about each of the world’s oceans and, more significantly, about what people can do to take care of them. The writing is clear and simple, appropriate for children in early grade school. The book includes material on oceanography and one oceanographer in particular, Sylvia Earle, to whom the book is dedicated. Additionally, the book includes “Ocean Fun Facts” on most pages, such as: “Seaweeds aren’t really weeds; they are important food sources for underwater creatures as well as humans, and many experts prefer to call them ‘sea vegetables.’”
The book is colorful and has clear layouts that emphasize the different pieces of information author Gabriella Francine conveys. Each page features an underwater photograph and a simple illustrated figure interacting with the beautiful scenery. The images are very enjoyable and offer an underwater view that may be new to many young children.
Though all of the information presented in the book is interesting, there is a not a great deal of it. Each ocean is described by its size and location with just one or two other details about what makes it unique. Though certainly limited by the constraints of the intended age group and the length of a picture book, more information would have made the book a more satisfying read. Additionally, the material on Sylvia Earle feels out of place. The book is very general, and broader information about the field of oceanography would have made more sense than a full page spread about one person.
Ultimately, the book is worth reading. Introducing young people to the importance of our oceans and the role that every individual can play in taking care of them is immeasurably valuable. The book could serve as a great starting point for young people to learn about the vast world of oceanography.
Reviewed by
Catherine Thureson
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
