Pistes d'exploration

Examine the structure and features of this book. Set your purpose for reading and decide how to read with that purpose in mind.

Create an acrostic poem about one of the featured sea creatures.

Imagine you are giving out Ocean Life Awards with titles such as Scariest Creature or Fiercest Creature. What awards would you create and which creatures would you give them to?

Read the author’s note that describes how he did the research necessary to write and illustrate this book. What topic are you so passionate about that you could write a book about it? Describe your topic and think of ways to conduct your research.

Brainstorm what you know about sea life and start a vocabulary list with familiar words. Think of at least two different ways to organize the words and information. Compare your organizers with others. Add words as you learn.

Use the book to create a diagram with labels that explain the body parts of a fish.

Explore the book to find the names of common sea creatures. Invent a memory game to learn their names.

Imagine a story in which a group of fish had to attend school. Draw a comic strip about what might take place. Include information you learned from the book.

A, B, Sea: A Deep-Sea Symphony

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , fish , illustrations (acrylic) , marine animals , marine biology , oceans , underwater life

Commentaire descriptif

This appealing non-fiction book recalls the spirit of a wildlife journal. Personal narrative brings facts to life, while modelling enthusiastic yet scientific observation for readers. “Sailfish are not the kind of fish you see in aquariums. Their long sword-like bills make them too dangerous to keep in captivity.… The only sailfish I have ever seen.” Double-page fold-out spreads feature close-up compositions of creatures, life-size (“Inshore Hunters”) and not (“Deep Sea Hunters”). Captions provide additional animal stats, facts and commentary (“Dolphins are sometimes mistaken for sharks. I always look for the rounded tip of a dolphin’s dorsal fin.”) Gorgeous drawings depict the beauty of sea life in full-colour detail. In one image, spotted eagle rays swoop in turquoise water, over a sandy ocean floor. In another, a black tip shark is dappled by moonlight piercing the water, as humans skim the surface in a fragile-looking boat. Spot illustrations in pencil effects mimic an artist’s sketchbook, showing types of coral, creature anatomy and additional scenes. Both language and image are infused with wonder—and a love of investigation. Back material includes a bibliography and an engaging author’s note.