A Sea within a Sea: Secrets of the Sargasso

by Ruth Heller

A best-selling author/illustrator explains how, amid the cold Northern Atlantic Ocean, there is a mysterious, warm, "sea within a sea" whose whirlpool-like currents breed a variety of wildlife.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2000

About the author

Author and illustration with a passionate interest in Korean culture. She lives with her husband in San Francisco, California.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and informative read.

[Aviara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Ruth Heller.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information was interesting, and the illustrations were certainly beautiful, as always with Ruth Heller's books. However, the text, which was written in the form of poetry, though well done should really have been written in prose. I've a feeling she could have included a lot more facts if she had done so. There was no explanation at all as to why the ocean current in the Sargasso Sea is so still, nor was there an explanation as to how it got its name. Even a page at the end with further information would have been helpful. Disappointing.

[Quilltips]

This is a short, beautifully illustrated science/poetry book for kids, with verses that explain the pictures of life in the Sargasso Sea. It's light on scientific facts and figures, and focuses more on inviting the reader's wonder and curiosity about the region. This would make a very nice lead-in for teaching kids about aquatic life, whether in school or at home.