From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2ABeginning simply with "Here is the coral reef," a cumulative text builds to describe various attributes of this colorful environment. With each turn of the page, the species of the reef are introduced along with the ways in which they are interrelated. First the corals, hard and soft, are pictured in beautiful purples, greens, reds, and soft blues. Next, three parrot fish are shown crunching corals, then several wrasses appear to clean the faces of the parrot fish, and so on, up to the appearance of an eel. Bright acrylic illustrations depict each creature, first in the distance and then front and center as it is introduced. Although the repetitive text doesn't sing, this vibrant, idealized picture of a southern hemisphere reef will grab and hold the attention of young viewers.AFrances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ages 5^-7. This picture book, which features large, brightly colored illustrations on wide, horizontal spreads, introduces the creatures of the coral reef. The cumulative text resembles "The House That Jack Built" in form, though it doesn't flow from the tongue as easily or make as memorable a narrative. The last page reads "Here is the coral / that shelters the eel / who is attacked by the shark / that carries the remora / that ride the ray / who swims with the turtle . . ." On the other hand, the vivid acrylic paintings, showing scenes of Australia's Great Barrier Reef,
will appeal to children. Consider for library purchase where primary-grade teachers seek materials on coral reefs.
Carolyn Phelan
