Ocean! Waves For All

Our Universe #4

by Stacy McAnulty, David Litchfield

new

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Childrens, Environment, Stem

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband.

Reviews

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

This book is TOTALLY TUBULAR! Ocean is a personified hipster, and refers to reader as "Dude". . . remember Crush, the turtle from Finding Nemo? That's the Ocean's voice, too. . .it was fun to read, and the kids loved it. We were all doing our most outrageous surfer-dude speak. All that said, though, the message of the Ocean was relevant, fun and instructive.

The illustrations were superb and carried us on waves to the shore to the very end. We loved this one! We all wanted to dash off to grab our towels and climb into the parental vehicles to find a beach. Some books just leave you with an itchy foot. . .

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Use of the word "dude" was a little forced, but this book was really cute and informative with great illustrations!

[Abby Johnson]

This book is, like, totally tubular, dude. In a narrative voice reminiscent of Crush from Finding Nemo, Ocean narrates this book about himself. The artwork is gorgeous, the tone conversational while still providing lots of facts. Look elsewhere for report writing, but this is the perfect book to inspire an interest in the ocean. Hand it to readers of books like The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal who love their nonfiction with some pizazz.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a totally awesome read-aloud, dude!

Plus some totally rad backmatter, if you are interested in more ocean related content.

[domduclos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cette collection est l'une de mes préférées! Les illustrations sont si belles et colorées! Bien qu'elle soit destinée aux enfants, j'apprends, chaque fois que je fais la lecture d'un des livres de la collection . ❤️ D'ailleurs, il ne nous manque qu'un seul tome pour la compléter 🥰

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Beautiful story and wonderful illustrations!

[Chance Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book indirectly taught me that there are Google Reviews for the Southern Ocean (2 stars, "No one warned me there was no McDonald's") and questions ("is there free parking?") Can't wait for the next book in this series "Internet: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯"

[João Teixeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Com um texto bastante educativo e umas ilustrações coloridas e bonitas, este é um livro muito bom sobre a vasta massa de água que cobre 71% de todo o planeta Terra (e que, por isso, até se deveria era chamar planeta Mar ou planeta Oceano!). Vale a pena espreitar este livro infantil!

[Lovely Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

Great illustrations, but heavy evolutionary perspective.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in the voice of a sufer-dude. Kind of annoying, but may appeal to kids.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book of introducing the Ocean to a younger audience. It takes science but in a fictionalized story to help make it less dry. However, while I love the word Dude (it is very expressive when it is lightly used) the use of "dude" was overdone and gimmicky. And honestly, the Ocean's creepy face hiding out on the pages was sometimes a bit disconcerting for this adult (yet, I don't think kids will have an issue with that). But overall I really enjoyed this book and will be highly recommending it.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contains some good information about the ocean, but the ocean is portrayed as a seemingly stereotypical surfer from the 90s who refers to the readers as “dude” or “dudes,” uses the ableist term “bummer,” and uses phrases like “totally tubular” which just make the narrative feel a little off and not inclusive as opposed to giving the ocean personality.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in McAnulty's non-fiction series. She describes the ocean and how important this water is to our planet. The illustrations support the text and provide further information for elementary level readers.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully illustrated non-fiction picture book with all sorts of facts about the ocean presented in a fun and engaging way. Highly recommend! Plus, there is great back-matter at the end of the book that even kids would enjoy listening to.

[Kelly]

Another excellent addition to the series. The author does a good job of engaging readers with all the wonders of the ocean before showing how it is being harmed.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO CUTE!!!

Just like with Moon! Earth's Best Friend, I think my favorite part might be the author's note, where Ocean is one of the authors:

Ocean is the largest body of water on Earth and one important dude. He provides a home to millions of plants and animals, plays a vital role in oxygen production, and is essential for global climate regulation. Ocean enjoyed working on this book with Stacy McAnulty and David Litchfield, and would like to work with all humans to create a healthy planet.

I admit I was surprised that Ocean was a dude. I'm used to the ocean being depicted as a Mother-type, but I enjoyed the surfer-dude spin.


This is chock-full of real science, in a format that should appeal to all ages.

Life on Earth began in my epic waters. Way small at first. Like, microscopic, man.

Bacteria
Algae
Single-celled organisms

But life grows, changes, and gets totally interesting.

Jellyfish
Multi-celled organisms
Plant-life
Fish

And like a boss, I hold some righteous records.

Home to Earth's ...
Biggest animal. The blue whale dwarfs any dinosaur.
Longest mountain range. Meet the Mid-Ocean Ridge.
Largest living structure. The Great Barrier Reef. This beauty can be seen from Moon. Far out!

Litchfield did a great job with the art, using gorgeous colors for all of Ocean's depths, and giving Ocean a face and arms and making it look not TOO weird.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like, this is a rad introduction to the largest body of water on the face of the Earth for youngest of dudes (and dudettes).

Adding to her Our Universe Series of informational books, McAnulty tackles the depths of the ocean in this simple overview. Writing as if Ocean is a character describing himself, each two-page spread highlights a different aspect, i.e. how no one country can lay claim to the oceans, how it was formed, general types of lifeforms found in ocean waters, a few outstanding facts, a list of the ocean zones, and a mention of tides, the collection of plastic found in the ocean, and melting of the polar regions. Statistics and facts are included in the text. Backmatter includes a note from the author; a brief explantion that ocean is one ocean, with subdivisions a human construction; a listing of statistics mentioned in the text; an "Ask the Ocean Three Questions" game; activities kids can do to help keep the ocean clean; and sources used by the author (all websites).

David Litchfield's illustrations were rendered in pencils, ink, watercolor paints, and digital art tools. They are a match to the text in their lightness and show Ocean as a range of blues and greens, with inky black at night. Young readers will enjoy looking for the face (eyes, eyebrows, and mouth) and hands of Ocean in each 2-page spread/illustration. The text is also playfully arranged on the page.

A charming title to use as an introduction to the ocean - whether in daycare/preschool or before a visit.

Highly Recommended for Preschoolers-K.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ocean: Waves for All is the fourth children's picture book in the Our Universe series written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Stevie Lewis, which stars the Ocean as a layback body of water with cheerful eyes, a crescent moon smile, and disembodied and impossibly elastic arms, who is happy to tell its life story as a companion of Earth.

McAnulty's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is an anthropomorphic story about the Ocean and its relations within the Earth. Facts are shared conversationally, with surfer-like stereotypical voice. Information about the ocean's layers and marine features are presented with concise language and loads of visual interest. Additional notes could be found at the back of the book with consumer-level actions for ocean advocacy. Lewis' mixed-media cartoons work in perfect sync with the narration to share the oceanic tidbits with style.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The Ocean describes its importance, its size, its history with the planet, and the abundance of life it carries within itself. Ocean waits until readers are all drawn in, before revealing problems like trash islands and the melting of the ice sheets, informing young readers of the problems with no concrete solutions mentioned.

All in all, Ocean: Waves for All is a wonderful history and importance of the Ocean, albeit cursory, and a wonderful continuation to a children's book series that I look forward to reading.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 'Our Universe' series continues with Ocean: Waves For All, personifying Earth's ocean as a super-cute, free-spirited being that has been flowing around for about four billion years and rejoices in bringing its waves to all.

Learn all about the ocean, from how old it is, to the life that began in it, to its depths, layers, secrets, and more in this fun and informative picture book! Learn about its relation to Earth, the moon, and even human beings over time.

There are a few fun extras in the back of the book that includes a letter from the author, a collection of number-related facts, a fun interview with Ocean themself, and several great tips on how to be a great friend to the ocean.

We have adored every book in the 'Our Universe' series so far!

If you are looking for a way to teach your young children about the world in a way that will keep their attention, this nonfiction picture book series is perfect for you! Each book in this series personifies the subject, allowing them to explain their life and history, creating a super fun and memorable way to learn.

This nonfiction picture book review was originally shared at Lazy Day Literature.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

3e livre lu dans cette série, Henry a un peu moins accroché mais a apprécié aussi :")

Album à la couverture souple dans lequel l'océan prend la parole pour raconter sa propre vie au lecteur. Il mentionne ainsi qu'il a plusieurs noms, mais aucune nationalité puisqu'il s'étend partout sur la planète; que son eau salée s'est formée quand la jeune Terre s'est mise à refroidir, bien avant la naissance des continents; et qu'il cumule les records en abritant le plus gros animal de la planète, la plus longue chaîne de montagnes et la plus vaste structure vivante. Il poursuit sur ses rôles particuliers en précisant qu'il maintient l'équilibre du climat, (...) [SDM]
Un sympathique océan humanisé fait un gentil survol de tout ce qui a trait à lui et surtout, à ce qui en fait le héros de la planète, mais ceci permet néanmoins d'aborder une pluralité de notions liées aux sciences de la Terre. Bien que certaines informations soient disséminées dans le texte, qui s'accompagne de frétillantes images de synthèse imitant la peinture, le collage et le pastel, une double page documentaire vient apporter quelques précisions supplémentaires à la toute fin. [SDM]

[Margaret]

When you stand on the shore of a large body of water, gazing across its expanse, something happens deep inside you. Being in the presence of this greatness is humbling but soothing. It helps you to realize as small as you may be, you are a part of something greater than your eyes can see. This water spread before you is alive. It sustains life on our planet.

We wade and swim in it. We walk along its sandy or stony beaches looking for treasure. If we are fortunate one of the creatures living in this water will reveal itself to us. That's a memory to cherish. Ocean! Waves For All (Henry Holt and Company, May 5, 2020) written by Stacy McAnulty with illustrations by David Litchfield is the latest entry in the Our Universe series. Ocean has a lot to tell us, so let's listen and learn.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ocean's vocabulary for this book is that of a stereotypical surfer with "dude" sprinkled throughout. Ocean also uses phrases such as "far out!" McAnulty writes that Ocean is free. "I have no flag. No nationality. My waves are free for all." Ocean tells readers, "I swirl over 71% of our world" and that they were "cruising solo" for millions of years before land showed up. Ocean also tells readers, "Life on Earth began in my epic waters. Way small at first. Like, microscopic, man." The book illustrates for readers the different zones of the ocean, such as abyssopelagic zone, and shares that there are better pictures of Mars than of Ocean's bottom. Ocean encourages readers, "Come explore my secrets!" McAnulty briefly touches on trash in the ocean and overfishing, but ends the book with "But together we can get in the zone. Let's find that sweet balance." Not my favorite book in the series but it's okay.

[Patricia Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To add to her cohort of science nonfiction picture books Stacy McAnulty writes about our ocean in Ocean! Waves For All. McAnulty captivates readers with her wit and David Litchfield allures readers in with illustrations gracefully portraying all the ocean has within. Readers learn about the ocean from ocean's Point of View. We learn about how the ocean was formed, to organisms and landforms, to different zones, and how to best look after our ocean. Accurate and charming and delightful.
I was fortunate to have Stacy McAnulty read aloud to my students in her surfer Dude voice on WRA2020!
A must add to your science library. Along with:
Earth! My First 4.5 Billion Years - illustrated by David Litchfield
Sun! One in a Billion - illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Moon! Earth's Best Friend - illustrated by Stevie Lewis

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the ocean talks to us! Sort of like a surfer dude... But a great introduction to all things ocean is offered. I really liked that Ocean encourages us to come and explore their depths! And reminds us that they are one BIG ocean - not four or five smaller ones. People came up with names like Pacific and Atlantic. Readers will learn how Ocean came to be, how important Ocean is - and how harmful pollution has become. There are notes and sources at the end of the book. For example - did you know that Ocean is not fond of either tacos or pizza? And offers a gentle reminder to not feed the ocean animals people food.
Lots of fun and lots of information. This could easily be incorporated into a story time. I think I would pair it with Pete the Cat at the Beach or The Mysterious Sea Bunny.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is a need to personify anything huge like planets or oceans, Stacy is the author to do so. Her personified Ocean is amazing, so warm, open and friendly.

I love the artwork here. It's amazing. It makes you want to run see the ocean.

Look what I learned from this book:
Thalassophile - what a word. It means Ocean Lover. I never heard of that, but someone I feel it's a very good word to know
Longest Mountain range is the Mid-Ocean Ridge. I knew that, but it's 40,389 miles long. (thank goodness we don't have to hike over all that)
They went into the Light Zones of the Ocean - I knew a little about, but this makes it so clear:
Sunlight Zone - Epipelagic 0 - 656 feet
Twilight Zone - Mesopelagic = 656 - 3281 feet
There's the Midnight Zone, the Abyss and the Trenches.

Anyway. All that makes up one really cool book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a moment to accustom myself to regarding the "oceans" as a personified Surfer Dude. But once I'd stepped fully into the reality, I could just enjoy the perspective. The illustrations captivate: watching the ocean wrap arms around various creatures works better than one might think, and the colors just radiate off the page. And I learned something! I had no idea that the "Southern Ocean" was a thing... I'm pretty sure it wasn't when I was learning about the oceans once upon a time.

Entertaining, educational, and a visual delight.

[Charlotte S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally tubular book from the ocean's point of view that takes you from the ocean waves to the depths of the sea floor. It's very informative while at the same time, it's entertaining and fun! The illustrations are amazing and so cute! David Litchfield is an awesome artist! There are a few more books in this 'series,' if you will, including ones about Earth, Mars and Pluto if I remember correctly. This is a great book to read for World Oceans Day with, or just to read for fun! T
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page in this book has an incredible image of different aspects of the ocean and includes the ocean's eyes and hands. The hands are faint and children will enjoy finding them on every page. The ocean talks to the reader, as if talking to a friend, about how big it is, what are its different names and sections, what animals live there and more! It also tells the reader the challenges the ocean faces and what we can do about them. Children will love this personification of the ocean. The back pages include an interview with the ocean and ways we call can help.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these are by the wonderful @stacymcanulty - she has easily become one of my favourite children’s authors, as her books have everything I adore.

They are wholesome, teach important lessons and facts, have colourful and beautiful illustrations and are just so fun.

The Our Universe Books are my personal favourites, as well as Beautiful.

Full of facts about the ocean, with an important message about how we can help with looking after him. This was also fun to read with a “surfer dude” accent.

[Michelle Beltran-Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright Date: 2020
Genre: Information, Science
Theme(s): Conservation, Science, Water

This book uses language that is so entertaining for children! I liked how entertaining this book is while still being so informational.

I think this would be great for introducing a unit on ocean ecosystems and then on human caused environmental changes. After learning about the ecosystems we could learn more about the impacts humans have had on the ocean and how we can treat it better.