Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: Oceans

  • The Lives of Seaweeds: A Natural History of Our Planet’s Seaweeds and Other Algae

    The Lives of Seaweeds: A Natural History of Our Planet’s Seaweeds and Other Algae

    For those seeking information on seaweeds and algae The Lives of Seaweeds is not only a detailed and precise reference book, but it contains beautiful photographs. These are plentiful and interspersed with the text to complement and inform.

    There are many diagrams as well to cement the understanding of descriptions given. In the contents the author has an Introduction, with the following chapters looking at Evolution, Morphology, Life Histories, Ecology, and Algae and Humans. This is supported with a Glossary, and an Index.

    It seems that people who live along the coastlines of the world, since prehistoric times, have foraged for seaweed for food. Today we know more about the nutritional benefits of seaweed and enjoy eating it in many and various countries.

    Seaweed contains many vitamins and minerals condensed in a small plant. It is much richer than land plants. The flavour that Dashi stock, made from fish and kelp, adds to dishes is famous. There are also many religious and spiritual festivals which incorporate seaweed.

    The evolutionary story of algae is interesting. Billions of years ago earth was a harsh environment. The atmosphere was made of mostly nitrogen and carbon dioxide, with just a small amount of oxygen. Bacteria and Plastids help to begin the process of providing oxygenating plants.

    The Lives of Seaweeds is a detailed look from evolutionary times to current day practices. Seaweeds and algae and the scientists who study them are carefully discussed and explained.

  • Meet the Oceans

    Meet the Oceans

    This colourful soft covered Picture Book is a splendid way to introduce the oceans of the world to children. The format of the book, that is, clear print, rhyming text, and large bright illustrations makes it instantly attractive for young readers. The illustrations and cartoon characters also engage the reader, encouraging them to join in the fun while discovering many facts.

    Meet the Oceans begins with an invitation to join the characters on a submarine journey under the sea. The first place to visit is the Arctic Ocean. The ocean describes itself, and the creatures to be found in its waters. We learn that it is the smallest ocean, but it still has many creatures such as Jelly Fish, Polar Bears, and Beluga whales living in and around there. The water is freezing as are the surrounds.

    Each following double page spread describes an ocean, its characteristics, and inhabitants. The Atlantic Ocean has “Mountains below me, and hundreds of undersea caves.”  The fish and sea grass are shown here. All the world’s Oceans are described, and the local fish and plants are noted. The last double page spread shows a large world map with each Ocean named, giving a sense of placement for the various seas.

    Meet the Oceans is a great educational tool and an interesting and fun read.