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Ocean: Secrets of the Deep
Discover menacing sharks, playful dolphins, clownfish, penguins, turtles, whales, shimmering jellyfish, and gargantuan giant squid. Ocean: Secrets of the Deep is jam-packed with 100s of stylish illustrations and many more surprising facts about the world's marine life. First, readers are taken on a journey from the water's surface to the deepest, darkest depths of the oceans, stopping off at coral reefs and kelp forests. Next, information-packed spreads offer answers to questions such as: How do turtles keep clean? Do whales talk to each other? and What can humans do to save the ocean?
72 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2019
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 22, 2019
What to do on a hot, hot weekend? Go to the ocean, of course. But if you can't get to the actual ocean, reading about it is the next best thing. So, as Sabrina Weiss says in her introduction to Ocean: "Take a deep breath and let's plunge beneath the waves!"
We are taught that there are five oceans in the world, each with its own distinctive characteristics as you go from place to place, but according to Weiss, they are actually connected to each other, forming one huge, global ocean, and holding 96.5% of all the water found on earth. But how much do we really know about the ocean? Not much, it seems.
Weiss begins her ocean explorations by introducing readers to the five different ocean zones - the sunlight zone, the twilight zone, the midnight zone, the abyss, and hadal zone. Zones are based on depth and the amount of sunlight that reaches them, or doesn't reach them, as the case may be. Weiss describes what is known about each zone, and the names and characteristics of the sea creatures that inhabit each zone.
From zones, Weiss looks at the ocean's different ecosystems. An ecosystem consists of the living and non-living things needed to support it, including animals, plants, organisms, and soil, plus air, water, rocks, and sunlight. Each element has its own part to play in supporting an ecosystem. Polar seas, coral reefs, deltas, salt marshes, mangroves, and kelp forests are all examined, including the different species that inhabit them.
I found the sections on Marine Life very interesting. Ocean life is teeming with activity and Weiss gives readers an excellent overview of who's who, where they live and what they eat, and includes information of unusual friendships or schools of fish, because everyone, including fish, knows there's safety in numbers when traveling. Budding marine biologists will discover how marine animals communicate with each other, how to tell the difference between male and female fish, and those sea creatures that are masters of disguise. One thing I discovered is that a symbiotic relationship exists between some species when they visit cleaning stations like coral reefs. They swim in for a cleaning, and other species will pick off and eat parasites, dead skin, algae and slime off that have accumulated on the visitor's body.. It sounds gross but everyone benefits from it, and as Weiss points out, it's like a day at the spa.
It would be irresponsible if a book like this didn't discuss how our ocean is in peril. Pollution, overfishing, climate change, warming water temperatures, dying coral reefs, and an ocean full of plastic are all putting our ocean and the marine life living there in jeopardy. Weiss not only discusses these perils, but she also give some suggestions for how we can all help protect the ocean.
One of the things that makes this book so wonderful to explore are the graphics. Every aspect of marine life is authentically illustrated and identified. The art is as lovely as it is informative, and will no doubt elicit a lot of exploration and conversation.
Another one of the interesting parts of this book is the four-page spread devoted to myths and legends about the ocean, including historic speculation about the whether Atlantis really existed and if it did, where it might have been.
This is a book that is chockablock with information, but as Weiss concludes, there is so much more to explore, so much more we don't know and maybe, just maybe a young reader out there will be the next person to discover more of the oceans's secrets.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was gratefully provided to me by Media Masters Publicity
We are taught that there are five oceans in the world, each with its own distinctive characteristics as you go from place to place, but according to Weiss, they are actually connected to each other, forming one huge, global ocean, and holding 96.5% of all the water found on earth. But how much do we really know about the ocean? Not much, it seems.
Weiss begins her ocean explorations by introducing readers to the five different ocean zones - the sunlight zone, the twilight zone, the midnight zone, the abyss, and hadal zone. Zones are based on depth and the amount of sunlight that reaches them, or doesn't reach them, as the case may be. Weiss describes what is known about each zone, and the names and characteristics of the sea creatures that inhabit each zone.
From zones, Weiss looks at the ocean's different ecosystems. An ecosystem consists of the living and non-living things needed to support it, including animals, plants, organisms, and soil, plus air, water, rocks, and sunlight. Each element has its own part to play in supporting an ecosystem. Polar seas, coral reefs, deltas, salt marshes, mangroves, and kelp forests are all examined, including the different species that inhabit them.
I found the sections on Marine Life very interesting. Ocean life is teeming with activity and Weiss gives readers an excellent overview of who's who, where they live and what they eat, and includes information of unusual friendships or schools of fish, because everyone, including fish, knows there's safety in numbers when traveling. Budding marine biologists will discover how marine animals communicate with each other, how to tell the difference between male and female fish, and those sea creatures that are masters of disguise. One thing I discovered is that a symbiotic relationship exists between some species when they visit cleaning stations like coral reefs. They swim in for a cleaning, and other species will pick off and eat parasites, dead skin, algae and slime off that have accumulated on the visitor's body.. It sounds gross but everyone benefits from it, and as Weiss points out, it's like a day at the spa.
It would be irresponsible if a book like this didn't discuss how our ocean is in peril. Pollution, overfishing, climate change, warming water temperatures, dying coral reefs, and an ocean full of plastic are all putting our ocean and the marine life living there in jeopardy. Weiss not only discusses these perils, but she also give some suggestions for how we can all help protect the ocean.
One of the things that makes this book so wonderful to explore are the graphics. Every aspect of marine life is authentically illustrated and identified. The art is as lovely as it is informative, and will no doubt elicit a lot of exploration and conversation.
Another one of the interesting parts of this book is the four-page spread devoted to myths and legends about the ocean, including historic speculation about the whether Atlantis really existed and if it did, where it might have been.
This is a book that is chockablock with information, but as Weiss concludes, there is so much more to explore, so much more we don't know and maybe, just maybe a young reader out there will be the next person to discover more of the oceans's secrets.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was gratefully provided to me by Media Masters Publicity
August 16, 2019
A fantastically illustrated and detailed look at our oceans, the life within and surrounding areas, and how we need to be kinder to our planet.
August 4, 2019
You can read all of my reviews on my blog -> Cover2CoverMom Blog
When I was approached to receive a copy of Oceans: Secrets of the Deep for review, I immediately accepted. My family and I had just gotten back from a trip to North Carolina for a beach vacation, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share more about our oceans with my daughter.
Oceans: Secrets of the Deep is a plethora of information about the oceans & everything that calls the ocean home. The book starts off sharing some of the mythology and legends surrounding the oceans like sea monsters, mermaids, Atlantis, etc. We then proceed to learn about the different ocean zones: sunlight zone, twilight zone, midnight zone, the abyss, and the hadal zone. We are given general information about all of the different zones, and which types of marine life we can find in each. We move on to ecosystems like coral reefs, deltas, marshes, kelp forests, polar seas, etc. Then we proceed to the marine life portion of the book where we learn about the different sea creatures, how they interact, what the eat, etc. Finally we learn about how the oceans are in danger from pollution, global warming, & over-fishing, and what we can do to protect our oceans.
I was immediately drawn to the stunning illustrations on each and every page in Oceans: Secrets of the Deep. Whereas many nonfiction books on the ocean & marine life that I've come across include real life photographs, this book is exclusively illustrated. There is so much to look at on every page! I also think the maps, charts, and size comparisons were excellent additions. I think these illustrations will really appeal to a wide audience, making this book appeal to a younger audience in addition to the target audience of 7 - 11 year-olds.
Oceans: Secrets of the Deep is a "grow with me" type of picture book. You could definitely adapt this book to a younger audience by paraphrasing the larger chunks of text and allowing your child to pick and choose what they'd like to learn about. As the child grows older, they will have more of an attention span needed for the longer sections & be able to grasp more of the information. As far as the text goes, I would say that the reading level is probably on the higher end of the target audience, probably more like 9+ due to the complex topics included. Again this isn't to say that you will not be able to read this with a younger child, just that you might have to simplify the text to their comprehension level.
I found Oceans: Secrets of the Deep to be a well rounded source of knowledge on all things ocean. One big thing that I appreciated about this book is the focus on the oceans as a whole and the entire oceanic ecosystem. While this book introduces many of the different marine animals, this book is really exploring how the marine life interact with their surroundings, other species, and each other. I love that the author explored common myths and legends surround the ocean - where they originated, possible explanations, etc. I also love that the author goes into the danger our oceans face from pollution, global warming, and over fishing, and gives us ideas on what we as individuals can do to help lessen our negative impact on the oceans.
Oceans: Secrets of the Deep would be an excellent addition in either a home library, or in a classroom setting.
*Big thanks to Media Masters Publicity for providing me with a copy of this book via What On Earth Books in exchange for an honest review.
When I was approached to receive a copy of Oceans: Secrets of the Deep for review, I immediately accepted. My family and I had just gotten back from a trip to North Carolina for a beach vacation, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share more about our oceans with my daughter.
Oceans: Secrets of the Deep is a plethora of information about the oceans & everything that calls the ocean home. The book starts off sharing some of the mythology and legends surrounding the oceans like sea monsters, mermaids, Atlantis, etc. We then proceed to learn about the different ocean zones: sunlight zone, twilight zone, midnight zone, the abyss, and the hadal zone. We are given general information about all of the different zones, and which types of marine life we can find in each. We move on to ecosystems like coral reefs, deltas, marshes, kelp forests, polar seas, etc. Then we proceed to the marine life portion of the book where we learn about the different sea creatures, how they interact, what the eat, etc. Finally we learn about how the oceans are in danger from pollution, global warming, & over-fishing, and what we can do to protect our oceans.
I was immediately drawn to the stunning illustrations on each and every page in Oceans: Secrets of the Deep. Whereas many nonfiction books on the ocean & marine life that I've come across include real life photographs, this book is exclusively illustrated. There is so much to look at on every page! I also think the maps, charts, and size comparisons were excellent additions. I think these illustrations will really appeal to a wide audience, making this book appeal to a younger audience in addition to the target audience of 7 - 11 year-olds.
Oceans: Secrets of the Deep is a "grow with me" type of picture book. You could definitely adapt this book to a younger audience by paraphrasing the larger chunks of text and allowing your child to pick and choose what they'd like to learn about. As the child grows older, they will have more of an attention span needed for the longer sections & be able to grasp more of the information. As far as the text goes, I would say that the reading level is probably on the higher end of the target audience, probably more like 9+ due to the complex topics included. Again this isn't to say that you will not be able to read this with a younger child, just that you might have to simplify the text to their comprehension level.
I found Oceans: Secrets of the Deep to be a well rounded source of knowledge on all things ocean. One big thing that I appreciated about this book is the focus on the oceans as a whole and the entire oceanic ecosystem. While this book introduces many of the different marine animals, this book is really exploring how the marine life interact with their surroundings, other species, and each other. I love that the author explored common myths and legends surround the ocean - where they originated, possible explanations, etc. I also love that the author goes into the danger our oceans face from pollution, global warming, and over fishing, and gives us ideas on what we as individuals can do to help lessen our negative impact on the oceans.
Oceans: Secrets of the Deep would be an excellent addition in either a home library, or in a classroom setting.
*Big thanks to Media Masters Publicity for providing me with a copy of this book via What On Earth Books in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Did you know the oceans drive our climate and weather patterns or that more than half of the world's oxygen comes from the sea?
Ocean: Secrets of the Deep is packed full of educational material about the ocean and the millions of animals and plants it is home to as well as how it affects our lives and vice versa!
Learn about the legends of the seas and where exactly in our world they originated. Dive down find out what lives deep in the dark. Learn about the life-supporting ecosystems and migration patterns of our ocean wanderers.
As amazing as the ocean and its inhabitants are, it is also in peril from overfishing, warming waters, pollution and more. Find out what causes coral bleaching and how many tons of waste flow into the ocean each year, and then read about how we can all help and make a difference to repair and preserve it.
This fantastic book contains a plethora of absolutely beautiful and realistic illustrations. It is also full of maps and charts and keys to identify the regions, zones, and creatures of the sea. We loved all the detail and color as well as the extra helpful glossary at the end!
This review was originally shared with photos on Lazy Day Literature.
Did you know the oceans drive our climate and weather patterns or that more than half of the world's oxygen comes from the sea?
Ocean: Secrets of the Deep is packed full of educational material about the ocean and the millions of animals and plants it is home to as well as how it affects our lives and vice versa!
Learn about the legends of the seas and where exactly in our world they originated. Dive down find out what lives deep in the dark. Learn about the life-supporting ecosystems and migration patterns of our ocean wanderers.
As amazing as the ocean and its inhabitants are, it is also in peril from overfishing, warming waters, pollution and more. Find out what causes coral bleaching and how many tons of waste flow into the ocean each year, and then read about how we can all help and make a difference to repair and preserve it.
This fantastic book contains a plethora of absolutely beautiful and realistic illustrations. It is also full of maps and charts and keys to identify the regions, zones, and creatures of the sea. We loved all the detail and color as well as the extra helpful glossary at the end!
This review was originally shared with photos on Lazy Day Literature.
August 5, 2019
Earth is often referred to as the blue planet. That nickname stems from the vast water bodies that cover two-thirds of this amazing planet. Earth’s oceans are home to millions of animals and plants, and produce more than half of the oxygen we breath every day. Did you know that salt in seawater comes from rocks and is carried by rivers into the ocean? Did you know that manatees are a relative of the elephant? The deepest recorded free dive using a single breath is 830 feet. Are your curious to learn more?
In this guide to the ocean, readers will get specific with ocean terms and the types of animals and plants that thrive in or around these waters. From the tiniest marine life to the largest polar bears all animals need water and can exist in some of the most extreme temperatures. Kids will be able to identify girl fish from boy fish and even learn about nurturing fish families. Readers will learn about how earth’s oceans are in peril and how they can help. Parents and teachers can share this with kids who want to know more about the waters on earth.
In this guide to the ocean, readers will get specific with ocean terms and the types of animals and plants that thrive in or around these waters. From the tiniest marine life to the largest polar bears all animals need water and can exist in some of the most extreme temperatures. Kids will be able to identify girl fish from boy fish and even learn about nurturing fish families. Readers will learn about how earth’s oceans are in peril and how they can help. Parents and teachers can share this with kids who want to know more about the waters on earth.
June 20, 2019
This browser gathers much trivia about the ocean in one place and is a serviceable introduction to the many wonders about Earth's oceans.
With topics grouped under subject headings such as "Legends of the Seas", "Underwater Worlds", "Kelp Forests", "Animals as Big as a Bus", this book spends from 2 - 10 pages on any given topic. I am not sure why they were arranged in this manner -- legendary creatures such as the Kraken and giant squids and the difference between mermaids and manatees are the first topic covered. Information just skims the surface, there is little depth - certainly not enough for a report on any one topic. Charts, maps of the ocean, and comparisons in size add interest to each topic.
Illustrations by Giulia de Amicis are intriguing, although the graphic art looks flat. They do a solid job of supporting the text.
Additional purchase for grades 3-6.
With topics grouped under subject headings such as "Legends of the Seas", "Underwater Worlds", "Kelp Forests", "Animals as Big as a Bus", this book spends from 2 - 10 pages on any given topic. I am not sure why they were arranged in this manner -- legendary creatures such as the Kraken and giant squids and the difference between mermaids and manatees are the first topic covered. Information just skims the surface, there is little depth - certainly not enough for a report on any one topic. Charts, maps of the ocean, and comparisons in size add interest to each topic.
Illustrations by Giulia de Amicis are intriguing, although the graphic art looks flat. They do a solid job of supporting the text.
Additional purchase for grades 3-6.
December 19, 2019
Ocean: Secrets of the Deep by Sabrina Weiss, illustrated by Giulia De Amicis. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. What on Earth Books (White Star), 2019. $20. 9781999968076
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Every two page spread delves into different elements of life in and around oceans. One spread talks about the size of ocean animals, and another about caring for the ocean. Most of the information is provided in captions to illustrations and small text boxes scattered around the pages.
This book covers a great breath of information and this keeps it fresh and interesting for readers. The topic vary widely enough to engage readers with different perspectives. The art is simple and aesthetic, but not cutesy.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Every two page spread delves into different elements of life in and around oceans. One spread talks about the size of ocean animals, and another about caring for the ocean. Most of the information is provided in captions to illustrations and small text boxes scattered around the pages.
This book covers a great breath of information and this keeps it fresh and interesting for readers. The topic vary widely enough to engage readers with different perspectives. The art is simple and aesthetic, but not cutesy.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
April 14, 2020
Take a voyage into the depths of the sea with a scientific view into the ocean’s waters. With the ocean being the largest habitat on earth, there is a home for the tiniest of microorganisms to the largest animals. Filled with maps, diagrams, charts, illustrations, and scientific answers, readers will open the door to discovery. Readers will also be able to explore many mysterious, surprising, and wonderous creatures while learning why the ocean is in peril, and what they can do to help. With more than 200 colorful illustrations and infographics, as well as hundreds of facts any budding marine biologist, or collector of ocean facts will be delighted to add this to their library.
For more reviews and body paints of book covers visit my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/amy_forthel...
For more reviews and body paints of book covers visit my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/amy_forthel...
July 9, 2019
Our Ocean has so many secrets, even scientists don't know them all - but Sabrina Weiss knows a lot and tells about them beautifully! Most sections are a 2 or four page spread and contain a legend to identify the picture of see life, illustrated by Giulia Amicis. We learn about the legend counterparts like Kraken/Giant Squid, or Mermaids/Manatees - where might Atlantis have been? We are taken on a tour of all the different depth zones and what lives there, how the animals live together, who eats who, and where they are on the food chain. Includes a great description on how we humans are hurting our oceans with over fishing and pollution and give ideas on how to help.
I love informational picture books, and this one is both thorough and entertaining. The illustrations are accurate and well labeled, the text is broken down into easily understood sections as captions to illustrations or short explanations. I think this will go over beautifully in a middle school library!
I love informational picture books, and this one is both thorough and entertaining. The illustrations are accurate and well labeled, the text is broken down into easily understood sections as captions to illustrations or short explanations. I think this will go over beautifully in a middle school library!
January 11, 2020
This covers the various depth stages in the ocean. It tells you the farthest dives recorded and even gives you information on the person, date, and a little extra info (which I haven't seen in all of the ocean books I have read). It tells you about all the creatures in the ocean. It gives you sizes, fun facts and even gives you tips on conservation efforts. Plus, the illustrations were kind of fun.
August 27, 2019
From a shark week lovers point of view this book is awesome.It brings all of the oceans issues to the surface.We get a lesson in why the ocean is an important ecosystem and more than just a home to plants and animals.With wonderful pictures and script it makes for a very entertaining and knowledgeable experience.
January 6, 2020
2.75 stars I could NOT get into this book. There is a lot of information scattered all over the page. I had place it in my bathroom, so I would read it when I had absolute nothing else to do (or read) I did enjoy some elements so it got bumped up to 2.75, but unless you are just skim reading it for the high points, it might be okay, a cover to cover read... oh heaven help me!!
January 19, 2020
The illustrations will have kids checking this book out and Lee reading it. The information is kid friendly overall and the format allows them to read and return to it after a break. The enthusiast will read cover to cover and discover new information just as I did. I will purchase this book for school and for my family.
June 28, 2019
Ocean lovers everywhere will be delighted by this truly awesome book! Bubbling over with fascinating and easily understood information about every aspect of the ocean, Ocean: Secrets of the Deep will engage readers’ minds and imagination. With a pleasing layout, this book is beautifully presented, with colorful, lively illustrations. A stunning and fun celebration of the wondrous ocean!
August 20, 2019
This book was such a beautiful read. I'm going to use this as a supplemental book for our Marine Biology unit in our homeschool and I'm excited how it will add to my kids' learning. Read my full review here: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2019/0...
August 21, 2019
This book suffers from busyness. My eye had no clue where to go. Boxes, please. Lines. Something. Hard to read to a child.
June 29, 2024
A great reference book. My child even enjoyed it.
January 29, 2022
This was a wonderful introduction, geared toward upper elementary and middle school age, to the ocean and all its wonders. The text was not overly technical, but engaging and full of interesting facts about oceans and other nearby habitats.
The book begins with legends of the deep such as mermaids and Kraken. It then takes you on a tour of each layer of ocean, from the sunlit upper part all the way down to the Hadal Zone, the deepest part of the ocean, where Challenger Deep is located.
Next, the book discusses various habitats, both in and near, oceans. Coral reefs, deltas, polar seas and salt marshes are some of the places talked about. The animals and plants that live in each area are shown, and described. Their traits, habits and environment are all showcased.
One of my favorite sections was polar seas, because some of my favorite animals live there, like seals and narwhal. The illustrations throughout the book were vibrant and engaging. Depicting the animals realistically, but in an artistic way. The drawings really brought the creatures to life.
The end of the book focuses on ways to protect the earth, and the oceans. At the end is a glossary and index.
A wonderful educational resource, and a fantastic read if you love the ocean and it's inhabitants.
The book begins with legends of the deep such as mermaids and Kraken. It then takes you on a tour of each layer of ocean, from the sunlit upper part all the way down to the Hadal Zone, the deepest part of the ocean, where Challenger Deep is located.
Next, the book discusses various habitats, both in and near, oceans. Coral reefs, deltas, polar seas and salt marshes are some of the places talked about. The animals and plants that live in each area are shown, and described. Their traits, habits and environment are all showcased.
One of my favorite sections was polar seas, because some of my favorite animals live there, like seals and narwhal. The illustrations throughout the book were vibrant and engaging. Depicting the animals realistically, but in an artistic way. The drawings really brought the creatures to life.
The end of the book focuses on ways to protect the earth, and the oceans. At the end is a glossary and index.
A wonderful educational resource, and a fantastic read if you love the ocean and it's inhabitants.
November 14, 2022
It's a very fun read to pass the time! Great for kids with the find the animal tasks, and the simplified artwork.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews