Atlantic

by G. Brian Karas

Lapping at the sandy shores, stretching from the North Pole to the South Pole and from North America to Africa, the Atlantic Ocean is constantly changing shape and size and is always traveling. It has fascinated people for ages and still does today.  Scientists study the Atlantic, fishermen search for its schools of fish, artists paint it, and poets write about it.  Here, the power and grace of the Atlantic Ocean are beautifully captured in Brian Karas's sparkling text and paintings.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Geography, Nonfiction, Science, Animals, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2002

About the author

G. Brian Karas has illustrated close to ninety children’s books. He has also written and illustrated several titles, including HOME ON THE BAYOU, a BOSTON-GLOBE-HORN Book Honor winner. He lives in Rhinebeck, New York.

Reviews

[Bethany Corkran · Rating 2 out of 5]

This fiction picture book describes the atlantic ocean to children. The ocean is the speaker in the book, telling the children about itself. It tells where the borders of the Atlantic are, what happens in the atlantic ocean, and how we can help it. It teaches the kids that there is fishing that goes on, and all of the human activity that is in the ocean isn't always helping the ocean. I liked this book because of the point of view it was written in. This book personified the ocean and that will speak louder than just a regular science textbook. In my classroom, I would use this as a class read when we are talking about the oceans in science. I would love to make my kids more aware of the ocean, and what we are doing to it as humans. I also want them to know that there is a way to help pollution, and it all starts with one individual.

[Khearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: The Atlantic Ocean is a vast and beautiful place. This book explores the location and characteristics of the Atlantic. While not in as much detail, the author mentions the many animals that live in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rating: I though the book was okay. I didn’t love it. However, I can see how it would be beneficial for children to read. The book is filled with a delightful knowledge of the Atlantic Ocean. I would rate the book a 3 out of 5 stars.

Use in Classroom: The book has many sight words in it. I would use it as a tool for the students to identify sight words in the context of a book. It is also very informative about the Atlantic Ocean and I could read it when when are in an ocean unit. I loved the color of the pictures in this book and believe that it will be attractive to young readers.

[L.A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my least favorite of Karas’ books. Perhaps I would’ve given three stars if I didn’t have those to compare to, and I also may give it three stars later when my toddler’s older and I can judge her appreciation level.

I enjoyed some of the imagery, and of course the illustrations, but overall I think this book suffered from a serious lack/misuse of punctuation—or at minimum better paragraphing—downgrading the otherwise beautiful pages and would-be-beautiful poetry.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations and lyrical word flow to share with six-year-olds. Show an ocean video first with above and below views to give background sense of Ocean power. Important discussion about ocean exploration and marine biology and oceanography careers. Bring in sea shells.

Book size makes it easy to share and fun to examine illustrations and artistic style. A book to experience over and over. A sea lover’s special book to share with children.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this slightly oversize book, the story is told in the voice of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. In wonderful illustrations and poetic, descriptive language, the reader is introduced to the wonderful characteristics and importance of the Atlantic Ocean. Some astounding facts are listed on the last page.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good for prek children. It gives a basic understanding of what an ocean is. I liked how it described the oceans of the world as a family. I used our globe along with the book for better understanding.

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

support water cycle with this

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I spot the name G. Brian Karas I am immediately on board and this book was no exception. ATLANTIC is all about the Atlantic Ocean and Karas has magically captured the immense nature of the ocean with his stunning illustrations and poetic text. "I am the Atlantic Ocean" begins this tale of how the ocean stretches from the land to the beach and far beyond. Karas perfectly weaves important facts about the ocean, like "My water doesn't stay in just one place. It travels from continent to continent", while still maintaining a flowing, story like feel to this nonfiction title. The way the Atlantic is described as having relationships with the fishermen, the seagulls, the dolphins, and the artists it touches is charming and humanizing. Overall, it is an effective book both as a read aloud and as an informative text about this beautiful ocean.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlantic is the story of the great Atlantic Ocean. It covers many physical features and many artistic ways of looking at the ocean as well. The illustrations are beautiful and add to the theme of the ocean. The author even gives more concrete facts at the end of the book.
This would be a great book to use in a lesson in science about the oceans and how they work. It could also be used for teaching children how to write book reports.

[Janice Finney · Rating 1 out of 5]

My district makes us read this book to Kindergarteners and then drops the possible great introduction to oceans to read One Dog Canoe and a few silly poems. I dread reading this book because the language is heavy and poetic and it is far too sophisticated for little 5 year olds. Turn and talks are completely ineffective for this book when every sentence has to be deciphered. Comprehension and the beauty of the imagery is washed away when this book was adopted for Kindergarten use.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but interesting story about the Atlantic Ocean. Simple illustrations and informative narrative, without being too boring. This is a great nonfiction book to read with younger children. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, telling the tale of the Atlantic Ocean. It includes science, environmental awareness, ecology, geology., geography and more. A fun story type book teaching so much! And beautiful illustrations besides!

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of the Atlantic Ocean, ocean currents, weather, erosion, pollution, and other impacts to our oceans.

[Abbi Kraus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great because it shows the power that nature can hold over people. I would recommend this as an introduction to the oceans and continents in a classroom.

[Katie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is all about the Atlantic Ocean.
I would use this book in my classroom when discussing the different oceans and the characteristics of each.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a great book to use when talking about oceans, it gives information on the Atlantic Ocean.

[Daniel]

Creative non fiction.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for teaching about the ocean. The illustrations are simple, but are rich in color.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated poem-story, with some pertinent facts, that gives a voice to the Atlantic Ocean.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! I love the illustrations and the poetry flows beautifully.

[Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

A story that anthropomorphizes the Atlantic only to become a masturbatory exercise in human hubris