The Big Book of the Blue (Big Book)

This third title in the Big Book series focuses on ocean biodiversity. Opening spreads discuss sea animal families, sea creature locomotion, and how aquatic species breathe, followed by spreads devoted to specific animals. Zommer's illustrations are more whimsical than naturalistic--creatures peer at one another with expressive, close-set eyes--but fun, accompanying captions provide factual insights: "a tuna has a super streamlined body which helps it to glide through the water." Though Zommer doesn't give readers much geographical sense of different ocean regions, the scenes feature tonal shifts in water color, from pale, tropical blues to the "inky darkness" that is the domain of anglerfish, blobfish, and gulper eels; the portrait layout also enhances the sense of ocean depth. Zommer introduces a seek-and-find element ("Can you find... exactly the same sardine 15 times in this book?"), which will lead readers to discover additional facts and surprises within the teeming underwater scenes. Ages 4-up. (June)

Gr 2-5--This cerulean-filled work is overflowing with oceanographic details and information. Readers can learn about 20 different sea creatures from the well-known octopus to the lesser-known dragonet. The book also includes general information on sea animals as well as basic conservation. There are plenty of facts, but the narrative remains at the surface level on most subjects. The whimsical illustrations create an aura of a busy ocean and will give readers a lot to discover on every page. Zommer has even included a few hide-and-seek puzzles throughout. Instead of a glossary, there is a page of "fishy phrases" where readers can learn about a few specific words or phrases that relate to ocean life. However, these words aren't highlighted in any way in the actual text. VERDICT This is not an ideal book for research, but purchase where browsable ocean-focused volumes are in demand.--V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC