The Great Barrier Reef - (Earth's Incredible Places) by Helen Scales (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In waters where Australia meets the vast Pacific Ocean, grows the world's most famous reef. Schools of fish dart among the colourful corals, octopuses hide in dark corners, and sharks patrol the clear waters above. Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef. In this ... illustrated guide, discover the plants and animals that live in this vast underwater treasure trove. Meet the scientists who have explored and studied its depths and learn about the history and culture of the Aboriginal people who have lived alongside this natural wonder for thousands of years"--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

A vibrant guide to the Great Barrier Reef full of surpising factoids and retro illustrations, perfect for children curious about life under the sea!

"Ominous passages about coral bleaching and the problems posed by plastic in the sea are balanced by hopeful explanations of efforts being made to preserve the reef."
--Wall Street Journal

"A very good book for beefing up the coral reef section, or for niche projects on climate change."
--School Library Journal

Did you know that giant clams can weigh as much as two baby elephants? Or that the shockwave of a pistol shrimp can heat up the surrounding waters to a temperature nearly as hot as the surface of the sun? With nearly 400,000 square kilometers of dazzling color, intricate ecosystems and unique creatures large and small, The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders of our world.

Vibrant, dynamic illustrations illuminate this enchanting place, its animal inhabitants, and the peoples who have embraced it as a centerpiece of their cultures. Learn all about how the reef came to be, its place in the world, and perhaps most importantly, what we can all do to help ensure that The Great Barrier Reef will be around for countless future generations to discover!

Review Quotes

"Ominous passages about coral bleaching and the problems posed by plastic in the sea are balanced by hopeful explanations of efforts being made to preserve the reef."
--Wall Street Journal

"A very good book for beefing up the coral reef section, or for niche projects on climate change."
--School Library Journal

"This gorgeous book feeds my inner marine biologist!"
--The Tiny Activist

"Glorious colour and delicate line work, perfectly capturing this sub-aquatic world."
--Colours May Vary

"One of the greatest natural wonders of our world and we're learning all about it through this beautifully illustrated book."
--The World is Their Classroom

"I was surprised to discover that night is often the most active time on the reef when a wonderful array of nocturnal creatures are hunting... Throughout, the author, marine biologist Dr Helen Scales shares her knowledge and enthusiasm writing in an accessible style that will enthrall primary age readers."
--Red Reading Hub

"This stunningly illustrated book is an excellent go-to for children starting to learn about the fragile and yet wondrous ecosystem that is the Great Barrier Reef."
--BookTrust

About the Author

Dr. Helen Scales is a marine biologist, diver, broadcaster and author. She has studied many parts of the oceans, from coral reefs in Borneo to the mangroves of Madagascar. She got to know the Great Barrier Reef working as a divemaster. Among her books about ocean life is the bestseller Spirals in Time. Helen presents the Earth Unscrewed podcast and appears regularly on BBC radio as an oceans expert. She advises the charity Sea Changers and teaches at Cambridge University. For part of the year she lives in Cambridge, England and the rest on the Atlantic coast of France

Lisk Feng is an award-winning illustrator from China, who now lives and works in New York. She graduated from the MFA Illustration Practice from Maryland Institute College of Art, and has received awards from the Society of Illustrators and Communication Arts, among others. She is also the illustrator of Everest.