Tiny Floating Coral

by Mary Auld

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Nature

28 pages, Hardcover

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read and really liked the first two titles in this series [Little Brown Nut and Small Speckled Egg], I was pleased to see this natural science series continue. As do all the books in the series, this one boasts a large map that folds out in order to allow young readers to see the big picture of coral, which is the book's subject. The book opens with images and text depicting small coral planula floating in the sea before moving on to various stages of its life as it becomes part of a coral reef, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef, a place that provides shelter for many species. Of course, the bigger picture is the threat that global warming is causing to those reefs and the need to act to save them. It's impossible to miss the message about human responsibility as well as the link between the coral and the creatures that depend on those reefs. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and eye-catching without being too overwhelming. There's even a die-cut on the cover that allows readers to peek at the coral that is on the title page. A solid choice for an elementary or intermediate science classroom library, this book will give youngsters an appreciation for coral and its importance.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous, detailed colorful illustrations are paired with great effect to an engaging yet informative text.

Two text narratives weave through the book. The first is a larger, print text in first person from the perspective of a coral planula, which has the potential to become part of a coral reef if it isn’t eaten by an animal first. The second level of text is third person and informational in tone. Children will be fascinated to learn of the life cycle of a coral reef, which is an animal, but quite unlike any other animal to which they are accustomed. The book is infused with wonder and curiosity, such as when the “secret food supply” is introduced – algae that lives inside the coral and has a symbiotic relationship with the coral – food in exchange for protection. Different types of coral are depicted, each more fascinating than the last. The final few pages and foldout explain the ways that humans have hurt coral reefs, as well as the work scientists and divers are doing to restore these important habitats. 

Overall this is an excellent resource and my favorite in the series “Start Small, Think Big.” Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

Lots of bright and colorful illustrations bring this book to life. The text is informative, if a little bit dry. I think the fold out map is super cool (especially the little i-spy on the side that encourages readers to go back through the book to find certain creatures) but the map makes me hesitant to purchase for my school library because I see it getting damaged so quickly.