Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
The Whale’s Song: Discover the Giants of our Oceans
Full of beautiful illustrations and carefully explained, engaging information, ‘The Whale’s Song’ is perfect for sparking curiosity about the oceans and the incredible creatures which inhabit them.
The book opens by suggesting that the Earth should, in fact, be called ‘the Sea’ as 70% of the planet’s surface is covered with water. With an explanation as to why this is mostly salt water, the author then explores water came to Earth, why we see the sea as blue and factors which affect this. Having set the scene in this way, cetaceans are then introduced and details about these fascinating creatures are shared through both text and illustration.
So much information is packed into this absorbing book! The author’s interest and enthusiasm for their subject is infectious and it is impossible to read this without being completely absorbed into the subject. Readers who love lots of detail will really appreciate the full, careful explanations given whilst those who prefer to skim and select their facts will be drawn to the fact boxes and sections of coloured text. Either way, there is a huge amount to learn here!
Information about whaling and the awful impact this had- and still has- on whales is included and the negative affect of the marine park entertainment industry is also discussed. The book concludes with information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) showing which species are most at risk.
A section on myths and legends surrounding whales shows how these creatures have inspired people across the world. Each section is full of stunning illustrations, making the book a real joy to explore. Even the end papers are used to show the different species of whales, giving an idea of their comparative sizes. Perfect for enriching the school curriculum or enjoying anywhere, this is an absolute joy of a book.
The Whale’s Song: Discover the Giants of our Oceans
Rossana Bossu, translated by Margaret Greenan
Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270195
You can read my review of ‘The Jellyfish Garden’ here
NNFN2024: The Jellyfish Garden
For day 2 of NNFN2024, I am reviewing ‘The Jellyfish Garden’, a fascinating book which takes a look at the watery world of the incredible creatures- and taught me how little I knew about them!
Having started by describing the features of these strange creatures, the differences and similarities between species are then highlighted. Carefully labelled diagrams show various views, including cross sections to support the reader’s understanding of their structure. Each carefully presented spread is packed with information, offered in accessible sections.
The enthusiasm of the author for their subject shines through the text, answering all the questions you might think of about these creatures- and a few more! Whether a reader with a deep interest in the oceans and the creatures which live there or someone who wants to find out more about jellyfish, everyone who picks up this book will be rewarded with the wealth of information and detail it offers.
The Jellyfish Garden: Explore their Curious World
Paola Vitale and Rossana Bossu
Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270003