Life Lessons from the Ocean: Soothing Wisdom from the Sea

by Richard Harrington, Annie Davidson (Illustrator)

This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of the majesty of the ocean – a soothing and calming tome for when life on dry land is overwhelming.

In an increasingly complicated world we are turning to nature more and more to gain a better understanding of ourselves and the complexities and anxieties in our life. The ocean is a calming constant in our world and we can learn a huge amount from its vast depths.

The ocean makes up seventy-one per cent of the earth's surface and is filled with marine life and mystery. In this beautifully illustrated gift book, marine biologist Richard Harrington reveals over 60 secrets of the ocean, and how we can learn from them. From learning to go with the flow of the tide to taking inspiration from starfish about how to handle setbacks there is a lesson for everyone in this beautiful book. Combined with gorgeous illustrations by Annie Davidson this book is perfect for those who are seeking some inspiration from life between the waves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Science, Self Help

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2020

About the author

Author of 'Area 57 (Secrets and Lies)'.

Reviews

[cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the adorable illustrations and “the ocean is a fluid environment after all”

[Megan Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it. 💖 Beautiful illustrations.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the messages in it. I also learned some interesting things about some of these water animals and plants. I may also end up having some really weird and colorful nightmares regarding some of these.

[Laura Forner · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute but nothing life-changing

[Kayla Blum · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t much of a story but rather a book that each heading is a life lesson and then the page would educate the reader on a marine animal. Easy read but I also learned things I did not know before

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book that takes the habits of marine life and gives advice that can benefit everyone. The illustrations are also very beautiful.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

These facts and illustrations were a good way to smile before work :)

On to my next fact/quote book!

[Jennifer Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and cute little read for lovers of the ocean, with beautiful illustrations throughout. One of Parlan’s advent gifts, the second of 50+ books to read this year!

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some fun information but I was really in search of something … more?

[Peggy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty little life lessons with fun ocean facts and delightful illlustrations.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful books that I have ever seen. And there is wisdom on every page. This book is slim enough to carry in a purse. Enchanting! #OceansOfPossibilities

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for advice/lesson books from non-human characters. This one did not disappoint. In addition to great advice… it teaches a lot about life in the sea. Each creature described offers different advice. From the common blenny - “Take time to breathe.” From the narwhal - “See the wonder in the world around you.” From seaweed - “Prepare for times of turbulence.” So many more… but I don’t want to spoil it. Loved it and highly recommend it!!!!

[Mailinh Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minh họa đẹp, với mỗi trang là một câu chuyện nhỏ thú vị về một loài vật biển khơi. Mình nghĩ đôi ba dòng với minh họa đẹp là đủ cho các bạn nhỏ ghi nhớ, nếu cảm thấy loài vật đó thú vị các bạn có thể tìm hiểu thêm, nhiều quá sẽ dễ bị rối. Khá hài lòng.

[Aquila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little gem which was a gift from my partner's parents for Jólabókaflóðið (aka “Yuletide Book Flood”) last year. It was written by a marine biologist and packed with fascinating facts and words of wisdom from the watery delths. I read just a few pages every day to feed my lust for learning!

[Jelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found all the little facts about all the different animals,plants, and overall human behavior vey intuitive and i thought the lessons attached to them were insightful as a huge ocean buff i highly recomeit if your looking for a quick read and a little wisdom.

[Steph K]

gorgeous illustrations and cool marine life facts but i was disappointed. more like “reminders from the ocean” because there’s nothing really insightful or novel here. was expecting something more metaphorical, but maybe that’s my bad. a nice, short read regardless.

[Sarah Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely little book was a gift from my advisor. The illustrations are a highlight and I also learned some interesting things I didn’t know. A perfect little display book to flip through with meditative reflections.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun and great artwork and fun little facts! What could be better?

[Mathea Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came for the cute illustrations, left with a lot of marine knowledge! What a fun little book

[Taryn Irving · Rating 3 out of 5]

we can learn a lot from the ocean! my favorite lesson: EBBS AND FLOWS 🫶🏽

[Tori Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

wholesome <3

[Eef Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute and insightful

[Savannah Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations 🫶🏼

[Bertha · Rating 3 out of 5]

a simple ‘pick me up’ book with a parallel flow of wisdom and facts about oceanic life. the illustrations are the star of this book in my opinion

[Alex]

So many ocean facts!!! I lov it!!!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is gorgeous, and there are pretty interesting facts about ocean life, but sometimes I don’t see how it related to the life lesson associated with the facts.

[Jess Webke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, cute book with fun little facts and very beautiful illustrations a fun quick read, especially in the morning!

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The octopus is my spirit animal and the reason I purchased this book. We can learn so much from the creatures of the sea.

[Seven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book! I love how the author tied life lessons with the sea! The illustrations were so cute and realistic, amazing art style. I would classify myself as a big ocean nerd but this book still taught me a lot, highly suggest it!