The Secret Oceans

by Betty Ballantine

Betty Ballantine, renowned for her contributions  to publishing for more than four decades, takes  readers on a visual odyssey through the vast and  deep oceans of the world, with the help of 12 leading  artists and a story that will entertain as well as  gently inform. Meet the crew of the Turtle, an  exploratory submarine whose mission is to establish  communication with whales. Almost immediately, they  encounter the cetasapiens, a remarkable thinking,  mammalian species who have an equally important  objective: to establish communication with humans,  and to teach them about the fragility of the ocean  ecosystem they are thoughtlessly destroying. The  cetasapiens have until this time kept their  existence secret from humankind, who have only explored  one and a half percent of the undersea world. But  secrecy is no longer a protection against human  destructiveness --and the cetasapiens intend to do  something about it. The dramatic art creates the  tale, with gorgeous full-color paintings of  burgeoning kelp forests, vibrant coral reefs, and  mysterious arctic waters The cetasapiens serve as the  submarine crew's guides. Just as Dinotopia illuminated  a fantastic world where humans and dinosaurs  co-exist, The Secret Oceans brings  alive a world that exists only beneath the ocean  surface -- and in the imagination.

Genres: Fantasy, Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[asiya | アセヤ (free palestine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has long-been a HUGE favorite of mine, aside from the glorious illustrations to the amazing writing and storyline, it has everything an environment lover and ocean lover would possibly want! At some points, it even had me crying. 😿

[bermudianabroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book when I was growing up. I never managed to get into the story; I much preferred spending hours pouring over the detailed illustrations and making up my own stories to fit the pictures.

[Sarah Soulagnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical. Captured my imagination wholeheartedly as a youngster.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are three (4?) main strands to this story:
1) Art: Obviously a driver for the story given that there are 12 artists. Nature views are better than the human figures.
2) Ocean life: Beautifully rendered. Highlights particular ecosystems within the ocean.
3) Fictional story: Talented and congenial group of six including two brilliant teens. Everything is too perfect and too smooth.
4) Message: Humans need to mend their ways and quit destroying the natural wonders of Earth.

Best for young teens who are enamored by the ocean and/or want to be marine biologists.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I love this book for its artwork. I've tried several times to actually read it and could never get into the story. :-P

[Leisa Passarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are fantastic!