Wonders of the Ocean Realm

In this delightful exploration of the ocean realm, authors Tricia Goyer and Sherri Seligson effectively introduce young readers to five amazing ocean creatures by combining fictional narration, science facts, exploration of God’s design for creation, spiritual life applications, and reflection questions.

Young readers will meet Astrid, the multicolor sea star, who can, among many other amazing things, enjoy a meal of clam in a unique way: “When it feeds on a clam, a sea star uses its strong, suction cup-lined arms to grab the clams’ hard outer shells. It only has to open the shells a tiny bit because it can do something few other animals can. A sea star can push its stomach out of its mouth and into the open crack between the shells. Then, it digests the clam outside of its body! Finally, the sea star pulls its stomach and the digested material back into its mouth.” How astonishing!

Children also will encounter Maximus, the peacock mantis shrimp, who is neither a peacock, a mantis, nor a shrimp. About this unique creature, the authors write, “Peacock mantis shrimp punch with such speed that they instantly cause the surrounding water to form a bubble. The bubble then rapidly pops, creating a shock wave that slams into the prey. This brief burst of heat inside the bubble is almost as hot as the sun, forming a flash of light!” Who would have thought such a small creature possessed such incredible strength!

Dexter the mimic octopus, Wendell the humpback whale, and Luna the deep-sea anglerfish round out the five awe-inspiring creatures introduced in this marvelously illustrated book. Each point to God’s boundless imagination, purposeful design, and delightful creativity.

Wonders of the Ocean Realm is an excellent resource for Christian parents, teachers, and care providers who want to help children understand the God-ordained connection between faith and science and to teach them to see God’s fingerprints in all of creation. (Tyndale Kids)