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CORAL REEFS

Name: CORAL REEFS
Author: Sylvia A. Earle
ISBN: 0-7922-6953-5

by Sylvia A. Earle & illustrated by Bonnie Matthews ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2003

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Here renowned marine biologist Earle essentially recasts her Hello, Fish (1999) as a more conventional introduction to reef residents and visitors. Matthews sets the scene with brightly colored, cartoon-flat reefscapes that feature varieties of corals, fish, shellfish, and other creatures, all being observed by a snorkeling child and a green-yellow-fuchsia parrotfish. The author notes efforts to save endangered reefs without mentioning specific cases, and closes with an invitation to visit these “cities that never sleep,” but offers no sources, paper or electronic, for further information. Though Matthews captures the reef’s shimmery beauty, her pictures will not convey to viewers either the fine details or the range of colors and surface textures, that photographs, such as the ones that grace Hello, Fish or Mary M. Cerullo’s Coral Reef (1996, illustrated by Jeffrey Rotman), do. A worthy addition to the large school of like titles, but Earle’s just treading water. (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-8)

Pub Date: March 1, 2003

ISBN: 0-7922-6953-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: National Geographic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2003

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

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ANNABELLE'S BIG MOVE

by Carla Golembe ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

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In two short stories, Golembe (Dog Magic, 1997) chronicles the relocation of Annabelle, a puppy, from the frozen tundra to the warm tropics, thereby addressing the wide range of emotions involved in moving. Annabelle likes her old home and all the routines associated with it; she’s consequently bewildered when her family packs everything up and movers take their belongings away. While Annabelle has settled into her new home, she is lonely and finds it difficult to make new acquaintances. “She saw dogs who looked strange to her, not like the dogs in her old neighborhood.” A romp at a local dog beach provides the opportunity for Annabelle to find friendship. Golembe’s illustrations are a panorama of lush tropical colors—vivid fuchsias, deep indigos, and rich azure hues entice the eye. Her sympathetic treatment of the subject and the positive resolution offers encouragement for children immersed in the turmoil of moving. (Picture book. 2-6)

Pub Date: March 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-395-91543-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
DOG MAGIC
by Carla Golembe & illustrated by Carla Golembe

- BOOK REVIEW
THE WOMAN IN THE MOON
by Jama Kim Rattigan & illustrated by Carla Golembe

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW NIGHT CAME FROM THE SEA
adapted by Mary-Joan Gerson & illustrated by Carla Golembe

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ALL TOGETHER NOW

by Anita Jeram ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2000

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Jeram brings back characters from Bunny, My Honey (1999) for this poignant tale about families. Although they are different species, the three friends—Bunny, Little Duckling, and Miss Mouse—form a unique family along with Mommy Rabbit. Instead of trying to make her “little Honeys” conform to some one ideal, the wise mother rabbit embraces their differences, incorporating their individuality into a special song created for the trio. Soft pastel illustrations capture both the playfulness of the threesome, and the loving bonds of the family. Through the song and the games the Honeys play, Jeram encourages readers to rejoice in diversity—a warm and timely message in a world full of complex and extended families. (Picture book. 3-6)