Oceans and Seas By Margaret Hynes

     The attention grabbing graphics on the front page of Oceans and Seas by Margaret Hynes will surely have readers engaged before the text of the book even commences.  Within the first few pages readers will find a table of contents describing all of the ocean topics to be discussed in the book, ranging from waves to energy to migrations to ocean zones.  At the end of the book a reader will find a comprehensive glossary of terms they will come across while reading. 
     This book will surely dispel the common misconception that nonfiction books are dull and entirely boring.  Each page is festooned with brightly colored graphics, carefully organized text, easy to understand diagrams, and multiple caption boxes to make reading nonfiction exciting!  Children will likely ask readers to stop for longer between page turns to enable them to take in every detail on the page.
       As if the book did not have enough gizmos, readers will find a website address on the right hand margin each page.  For instance, on the page about a Watery Planet, readers can follow the link in the upper right margin to extend their reading knowledge and learn about the oceans.
       The book has many applications and could be used in any of the following scenarios: as a read aloud, with small groups of children, or teachers can place it in their library to be used as a source of research for independent work.  No matter how it may be incorporated into the classroom, it's definitely a must read for any teacher who needs to address ocean curriculum.  You won't be disappointed!