Canadian Ocean Creatures

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian studies at
Concordia University, and the author of Kurlek, Margaret Laurence: The
Long Journey Home, and As Though Life Mattered: Leo Kennedy’s Story.

The Nature Canada series has received high praise for its exceptionally
fine illustrations, careful research, and lively text aimed at
elementary-school children. Canadian Ocean Creatures is the latest
addition to that excellent series.

Jan Sovak’s double-page illustrations carry the book with their
combination of scientific accuracy and high drama. Each spread features
an eight-line verse—some comic, some unintentionally comic and
banal—that fits into each illustration. The text, however, is clean,
crisp, and engaging.

Species covered include cod, goosefish, octopus, dogfish, clam,
seahorse, salmon, electric ray, great white shark, dolphin, sea anemone,
orca or killer whale, hagfish, sturgeon, and flying fish.

Canadian Ocean Creatures should attract young readers to natural
history and environmental concerns. Recommended.