CORAL REEF

Science writing that is vivid, precise, and rich in detail. Cerullo (Lobsters, 1994, etc.) is a storyteller who weaves facts into a compelling description of life in the coral reef throughout the day and night. She uses the analogy of the city to explain how inhabitants of the coral reef have specialized to share and exploit the resources available and discusses adaptations of color, diet, daily schedule, and behavior. Full-color underwater photographs show the varied inhabitants: daytime swimmers like the vibrantly colored angelfish, twilight predators like lionfish, and nighttime specialists like the brittle stars who ``light up at night.'' Outstanding. (glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10+)