Customer Reviews

Sand to Sea: Marine Life of Hawaii (Kolowalu Books)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We received "Sand to Sea" as a gift when our children were toddlers. From the earliest age they loved the photos. As they got older they asked us to read the text as well. The book begins on the shore, moves to the tide-pools, out to the coral reefs and beyond into the ocean, introducing animals from each habitat. The text is basic but well-written and we enjoyed learning the Hawaiian names of many creatures, including the 12-syllable name for one fish! There are extraordinary color photos on each page. My boys especially loved the photos showing children snorkeling among reef-fish and exploring the marine world. "Sand to Sea" is an excellent introduction to Pacific marine life and we highly recommend it for children, ages 2-10.

This book, published in 1989, is a wonderful introduction to the life of creatures living on the beach and in the nearshore environments of Hawaii. From crabs to spaghetti worms, from algae to raccoon butterflyfish, and from sea turtles to whales, authors Stephanie Feeney and Ann Fielding, with photographs from Ed Robinson and others, have developed a book to encourage youngsters (and some older folk) to become interested in marine habitats and marine creatures.

How can they go wrong?

My only complaint is that the book is rife with actions from a dated environmental ethic in Hawaii. Kids today are certainly not encouraged to touch coral. Feeding the fish is often discouraged. Wearing gloves to grab sea creatures like sea stars isn't necessary. There's a real "touch sea creatures whenever possible" focus here. At Hawaii's famous Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, these behaviors are discouraged. This is a special place, to be sure, but I doubt that that Waikiki Aquarium encourages it.

I know that we humans learn more effectively by utilizing all of our senses, including touch. The "touch displays" of marine invertebrates and rays in places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium are wildly popular. But these touch experiences are closely monitored. Do we still live with a "see it and grab it" mentality?

With that said, I believe if this book was published today, it would reflect these newer sensibilities. Let's hope Feeney and Fielding agree. The ocean, including around the Hawaiian Islands, needs more friends.

This book is great for younger kids to learn all about the marine life in the oceans of Hawaii. Great large color pictures!