An A-Z of Ocean Creatures

An A-Z of Ocean Creatures written and illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press) Non-Fiction RRP AU$29.99 ISBN 9 781923 350038

Reviewed by Robyn Gillies

This is large-format non-fiction book, and each page is a flood of underwater colour. The illustrations show discerning details of the marine life of our world’s seas and oceans. This book gives ‘a whale’s eye view’ and challenges your perspective to look at a world map not from the land masses and continents that we are most familiar with, but from the interconnectedness of the earth’s oceans.

The author uses the 26 letters of the English alphabet to list the diverse range of fishes, jellyfish, crabs, snails, animals and other underwater life that call the ocean home. It makes you want to know more about some of them such as the dumbo octopus, the vampire squid, the unicorn fish, the yeti crab, and a personal favourite, the leafy sea dragon, also the marine emblem of South Australia.

There is an illustration of each of the creatures listed on the related page which create a great activity for ‘find the creature’. And at the end of the book are diagrams showing each one of them numbered so you could check how well you did. But this is not a book you have to start from the beginning and work your way through. Open any page and it will challenge young minds.

Additional small sections highlight some facts and provide further information about coral reefs, sea birds, crocodiles and sea snakes etc. but do not overtake or overwhelm from the main purpose.

This book provides a glimpse into the planet’s incredible underwater biodiversity and interconnectedness of the birdlife dependent on the world’s waters. It’s a fun book with a gentle message about opening our eyes to our amazing environment.

This book is one of a series of wildlife titles by the same author.