What wonders wait beneath the waves? Dive in and find out with this beautiful split-page book that celebrates ocean habitats from the sandy shallows to the darkest depths.
Turn the page to discover the incredible creatures and plants that lie below the ocean blue. With magnificent mangrove forests, colourful coral reefs and exciting estuaries, there are so many water worlds to explore.
Each section is one double-page and one extra flap to turn. The book contains lots of information starting with facts on the titled section and then the plants and animals that live in that section.
I love the way the book is set out and the easy-to-read and understand snippets of information alongside amazing illustrations that adorn each page. My favourite section has to be the Deep Sea with its unusual creatures that lurk in the dark including Vampire Squid, Giant Tube Worm, and ‘Casper’ Octopus.
This is a fun, informative, and educational book. I was intrigued and engaged the whole way through. It is a book that children can dip into when they need to for something like a school project or just to learn something new and be amazed. If you have a child (or know one) that craves knowledge then this would be the perfect book for them.
A Stunning Split-View Journey into Marine and Coastal Life
Above and Below: Sea and Shore is a breathtakingly illustrated nonfiction picture book that invites young readers to explore the dynamic world where land meets ocean - not just from one angle, but from two. With every turn of the page, children are offered a dual perspective: what’s happening above the surface and what’s unfolding below it.
Harriet Evans’ text is both informative and lyrical, introducing children to diverse coastal environments and the rich ecosystems that thrive there. Each spread highlights a different habitat - from rocky cliffs to coral reefs - and gives equal attention to the creatures that inhabit the air, land, and sea. The concise yet engaging descriptions make this a perfect introduction for early elementary readers who are curious about nature and the interconnectedness of life.
What truly elevates the book is Hannah Bailey’s artwork. Her illustrations are intricate and immersive, combining scientific detail with soft, inviting color palettes. She masterfully captures the hidden beauty of tide pools, the motion of schools of fish, and the drama of sea birds in flight. The split-page layout adds a sense of wonder and discovery - almost like lifting a flap or peeking into a secret world.
This book does more than educate; it sparks a sense of curiosity and environmental awareness. It gently encourages young readers to look more closely at the natural world and consider the delicate balance between ecosystems. As a literacy educator, I also appreciate how it supports vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and visual literacy - especially when read aloud and discussed with an adult.
Above and Below: Sea and Shore is a valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf, classroom, or school library. It’s a celebration of marine and coastal biodiversity, beautifully told and beautifully shown - a perfect pairing of science and art.