With summer just around the corner many families are planning their vacation time. For some, vacation means a trip to the beach. I know that my family is looking forward to spending the day at the beach this summer. If we didn’t have a mini-zoo at home to care for we would probably head off to the shore for a long weekend.
As you are lying on the beach listening to the crashing waves and cries from the sea gulls flying above, it’s hard not to think about the ocean and all the creatures that call the ocean their home. My kids are especially curious about sea life, although I have to admit they are more concerned about the not-so-nice creatures they might encounter on the beach like Horseshoe Crabs and Jelly Fish. My son is also concerned about sharks and won’t venture into the water past his knees. We told him the likelihood of a shark attack was slim, but he’s not taking any chances.
If you have a child who is really interested in the creatures of the sea, or perhaps a budding Oceanographer in the making, you might be interested in a wonderful book I recently had the opportunity to review.
Sterling Children’s Books recently sent me a free copy of the book Shimmer & Splash: The Sparking World of Sea Life by Jim Arnosky to review.
This is such a beautiful book! The illustrations are wonderful and very realistic looking. Even creepy looking creatures like eels look amazing in this book.
There are many sea creatures featured in this book – a lot more than you would think (over 200!). Each one is accompanied with a great detailed description of the creature (size, weight, length, facts, other information) as well as where you can find the creatures in the ocean (trust me, I don’t want to be anywhere near some of these creatures – they are scary looking!).
I’m an adult and I would like to think that I know a thing or two. I happened to learn a lot reading this book. There was a lot of information within the pages that I never knew about sharks, dolphins and other popular creatures. Not only is the book great to read it’s also very educational in a fun way.
This book would be perfect for a child who is fascinated by the sea. I think it would be fun to give this child a book and then take them on a trip to your nearest aquarium or zoo so that they can see up close many of the creatures they read about in the book.
I also think this book would be great to give to a child to read on a long road trip, or perhaps on their way to a beach get away.
Look for Shimmer & Splash: The Sparkling World of Sea Life by Jim Arnosky where ever books are sold. I know it’s available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. While you are at it check out other books by Jim Arnosky. They look really interesting and if they are anything like Shimmer & Splash I’m sure they will be a fascinating read.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Robin Wilson says
We are HUGE nature lovers here. We love to watch NatGeo, Discovery, History, Disney, anything with a wildlife special on the air. I too, love pic books about animals. I own one large coffee table book that I have had forever that my son grew up looking at. This Shimmer and Splash book looks like a wonderful underwater album. Thanks for sharing.
ANN*H says
I love the animals of the sea. I always have a wallpaper on my computer of dolphins and fish. I enjoy watching Discovery channel too. We have been to the Baltimore Aquarium many times. Amazing some of the things we learn about these animals
JR Frugalmom says
My seven-year-old wants to be a shark scientist, and this is definitely perfect for him.
Amy Orvin says
This book has some beautiful pictures. I love all the animals in the seas and oceans. They are all so beautiful!
Nicole says
This would be a great book to read with my kids. My son is obsessed with all things aquatic and would love!
Elena says
Looks like a great book! Thank you for the review
Rebecca Xavier says
This sounds like a fun, informative book. The page that you showed from the book is beautiful.