One Ocean

Description

One Ocean

A Journey Beneath the Waves

Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jenni Desmond

(Walker Books)

Two children are excited to visit their grandmother, who lives by the sea in Scotland.  Exploring the beach and shoreline, they find a small, heart-shaped seed, which Granny tells them has travelled thousands of miles across the world on the tides of the oceans.  From there, the children imagine an amazing journey of discovery as they follow the path the seed might have travelled.

The children drift on ocean currents and tides, both above and beneath the waters.  All the while they encounter incredible ocean creatures, learn about the water cycle and understand how every breath they take impacts upon the oceans.  Travelling alongside the children, as readers we learn about the Gulf Stream, for example, as well as finding out about how the oceans sustain life on earth.  We are also reminded of the impact of climate change and rising temperatures on sea levels and of the importance of preserving the ecological integrity of our oceans.  There are several encouraging examples included where human interventions have supported the regeneration of ocean biodiversity.