THE OCEAN'S HEART

Zooplankton may be minuscule, but their impact is epic.

Every night, microscopic ocean dwellers travel from the depths to the surface, then back again. Hunger drives these zooplankton, but they carry vital nutrients that power an entire ecosystem. Hoffmann relies on accessible phrasing as she explores complex ecology topics; food is “far above the zooplankton’s home,” and light is “not a friend” to the tiny creatures, who rely on darkness to hide. Meanwhile, poetic phrasing—“Behold their strange and glorious beauty!”—enlivens the information and begs to be read out loud. Le’s compositions echo the lyrical writing. She employs dynamic diagonals as zooplankton make their ascent, churning curves that reinforce interconnectedness, and flat planes that anchor pivotal moments in pacing. The digitally rendered illustrations glow like delicate ghosts, rendering the animals in multihued pastels against inky, full-bleed backdrops; the effect is incandescent. With ample moments for narrative interaction, the book is ideal for school-age storytimes. Hoffmann invites readers to cheer on the tiny heroes as they strive for the surface and flee predators; a lilting refrain—“rise, paddle, and rise”—may prompt choral reading and movement. In one scene, three kids—one brown-skinned, two pale-skinned—pilot a boat through the waves. Their delight in the sea life around them serves as a tender reminder of how all life benefits from ocean ecosystems.

This shimmering tale of interdependence and survival is STEM storytelling at its best.