Pistes d'exploration

In pairs, create a glossary of sea and ocean words. Add it to the back of the book. Discuss the benefits of a glossary. 

As a class, brainstorm for superlative adjectives that would describe sea creatures (e.g. Tiniest, Scariest, Longest, Strongest). Under each heading, list additional animals that could fit the category (e.g. Tiniest: plankton/zooplankton/ dwarf goby).

Examine the illustrations on page 59. In pairs, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living underwater. Create an advertisement touting the benefits of undersea living. 

Discuss encyclopedias. What information can be found in one? What kind of information do you predict this encyclopedia will contain?

On a map or globe, locate the places where many of the sea creatures can be found.

Research sea creatures that live in the waters surrounding and within Canada and Québec.

Create a multimedia presentation or podcast on one of the aspects of sea life presented in the encyclopedia. 

The Mermaid and the Shoe

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , ecology , environment , marine biology , oceans , underwater life

Commentaire descriptif

The awesome mysteries of our planet’s oceans and seas are explored in this richly illustrated reference book. Over 30 sections cover facets of ocean life such as its creatures, tidal movements, shore life and dangers as well as the different ways people can travel over or under the ocean. Each section includes a two-page spread filled with a paragraph of large-print basic facts (“The oceans are getting dirtier and dirtier . . .”) with additional facts in smaller print (“Cleaning up after an oil spill is a difficult job . . .”). Explanatory captions accompany every picture, process and concept, and technical language is clarified: “Animals which hunt and eat other animals are known as predators.” An abundance of quality photographs and clear illustrations are enhanced through maps, insets, cutaways and diagrams. A sequential network of arrows explains the “web of life,” from phytoplankton to killer whales, in “Who eats who?” An underwater photograph has a school of big-eyed orange fish swimming across the corner of the page, in “Coral reef animals.” Publisher-based internet links, a table of contents and an index complete this simple yet comprehensive look at a complex environmental system.