On October 23rd, residents of Victoria, British Columbia—where I live and the headquarters of Hakai Magazine—watched in horror as a cargo ship billowing smoke from the coast. With the continuous emergence of news reports, we learned that the ship encountered a major storm, more than 100 containers fell into the water, and several containers caught fire. These containers are filled with consumer goods such as Christmas decorations, clothing and toys, as well as chemicals used in the mining industry, all from China and South Korea.
This seems to be a picture, representing all the errors in our world. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, this ship is shipping containers full of cheap items that may not last long (not to mention those nasty mining chemicals) to our shores and our consumerist society. Then the ship was hit by the so-called bomb cyclone, and similar things became more and more common due to climate change. Now, many of these containers are sinking or burning, polluting the environment during the climate crisis.
Then I heard about children's books.
A container on a cargo ship is neatly stacked with 15,000 non-fiction books published by Orca Book Publishers, which publishes many coastal books in these biennial reviews, and is publishing my first book, both It's about ethical fashion. Orca said in a press release that it is unsure of the fate of these books and recently decided to transfer most of its printing to Canada. "In terms of politics, society and the environment, we are working hard to make our printing decisions more in line with our overall mission and goals," publisher Andrew Wooldridge said in a press release.
Making decisions that meet our political, social, and environmental goals is something we all should strive to do. For example, buying books for children instead of plastic toys as gifts during this holiday may achieve the goal. They are entertaining, educational, and can be passed on from generation to generation.
Many of the characters in these 14 new children's books also made decisions with this goal, from the video game obsessed child's decision to clean up ocean plastics to save the planet, the earth robot's plastic pollution solution to Benny's Conservation Canines: The black laboratory sniffing containers of illegal wildlife products in How Dogs Work for the Environment. Share them with the young readers in your life-you never know what will ignite their flames (in a good way).
The duck fell into the water! : The true story of plastic in our ocean. 32 pages of text and illustrations by Markus Motum. Candlewick Press
Unfortunately, hundreds of containers overflow into the sea every year. Perhaps the most famous accident occurred in 1992, when a container from China to the United States crashed into the Pacific Ocean, releasing 28,000 rubber ducks. The iconic bright yellow bath toys caught the trend and brought them all over the world. In Ducks Overboard!: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans, this is a picture book for readers in grades 2 to 5. We met one of them and learned about its adventures. Telling from the perspective of a duck, and accompanied by breakthrough facts about plastics and the ocean, this story takes us from the factory in China to the garbage dump in the Great Pacific, to the beach, and finally home—and the bathroom—a loving family. . Simple illustrations in bright primary colors depict life and garbage under the waves. The duck fell into the water! It is a fascinating book that engages children in plastic problems and encourages them to find solutions.
The Earth Robot's Solution to Plastic Pollution. Text and illustrations by Russell Ayto, 40 pages. Children can press
Speaking of finding a solution, in the plastic pollution solution of the earth robot, we met Neo, a child who lives by the sea and is obsessed with video games. Neo is so busy in his favorite video game that he throws cabbage to aliens to protect the earth from aliens, so that he can't see the real invasion outside the door: plastic pollution! When marine animals appeared, everything changed, begging him to help them clean up their homes. With an alternative storyline, quirky characters, and graphic illustrations reminiscent of early video games, this book offers a unique perspective on the plastic problem. The Earth Robot's solution to plastic pollution is a refreshing book that inspires children to pay attention outwards rather than inwards, and work together to solve practical problems outside the screen.
The sun shines on the sea. 20 pages of text and illustrations by Michael Slack. Candlewick Press
When the sun shines on the sea, phytoplankton absorbs the light and grows, and is only eaten by krill, and then sucked into the ocean food chain by a school of fish, and so on. The sun shines on the sea to introduce the concept of food chain to preschool children, let them meet squid, tuna, shark and whale underwater, and find out who eats whom. But just when the children thought that whales would eat sharks, they suddenly picked up a group of krill, surprised them, and let them see that sometimes the food chain at the top of the food chain would feed on the food at the bottom of the food chain. Through vivid illustrations, cute creatures seem to be smiling when eating or being eaten, and there are interesting flaps that can reveal what is in their stomachs. This checkerboard book will allow children to focus on what is usually reserved for science. The subject of the lesson.
Heads and Tails Underwater Text and illustration by John Canty 32 pages Candlewick Press
In Heads and Tails Underwater, author/illustrator John Canty provides preschoolers with creative clues and a glimpse of the biological back end to inspire them to guess who is who-"I am a fish with a horse face. When I When I was a baby, my dad put me in his bag. I was..." From starfish that can grow arms to jellyfish without brains, Canty lists the coolest facts about each species. The large letters in the colorful text encourage children to follow and read hard, while illustrations combined with watercolor paintings and 19th-century scientific illustrations stimulate the appreciation of the beauty under the waves. Heads and Tails Underwater is a fascinating and interactive book that is sure to delight children and adults alike.
The strangest thing in the ocean. Illustration by Rachel Poliquin, Byron Eggenschwiler, page 32. Children can press
"Dancing feathers. Goblin teeth. Perspective head." OMG! "Wonders in the Sea" is another guessing picture book that tells readers from 7 to 10 years old about a dozen of the most peculiar creatures living in the deep sea. Each character introduces himself to readers, gives an imaginative description of his appearance, and a fantasy art depiction (thinking the barrel-eye fish as an alien spacecraft), and asks them if they think it is the strangest thing in the sea. Then the children opened the door, revealed the identity of the animal, and learned all kinds of cool facts about it, including whether it was actually the strangest thing in the sea. The strangest thing in the ocean is an artistic and educational achievement that encourages children to discover the wonders of the deep ocean.
Narwhal's School of Awesomeness text and illustrations, Ben Clanton 80 pages Penguin Random House
The cute duo of Narwhal and Jelly returns in the sixth part of their eponymous best-selling graphic novel series, bringing more adventures to readers from 6 to 9 years old. In Narwhal's School of Awesomeness, Narwhal and Jelly watched a school of fish on their way to school, including author/illustrator Ben Clanton’s iconic blue and yellow cute and quirky illustrations. But when the fish arrived, their teacher Mr. Pufferfish was about to blow: he caught a cold and the course was cancelled. Narwhal and jelly are added as substitutes, and when they make their own creations on class classics such as math, science, and writing, there is hilarity that ensues. Fish (appropriately named Fin, Finneas, Finbar, Finch, Finnegan, Finnard, Finnie, Finley, and Delfina) provide readers with a language arts class because they speak with synonyms, making this book a pleasure to read aloud. "Delicious! Delicious! Delicious! Good teeth! Fragrant! Delicious! Delicious! Holy! Delicious!" They reacted in turn after tasting the narwhal's favorite waffle snack. Science courses also contain real facts, such as how a group of sharks are called trembling, and how male seahorses give birth to more than 1,000 babies at once. Narwhal's School of Awesomeness is a fun, fast-paced book that makes children and adults laugh out loud.
Little Narwhal, Not Alone Text by Tiffany Stone illustration by Ashlyn Anstee 44 pages Greystone Kids
Now it's another narwhal: the little narwhal is eager to roam, so he sets off alone, but soon finds himself far away from home, alone. In Little Narwhal, Not Alone, young readers and curious whales embark on exciting-and sometimes terrifying-adventures in unknown waters. While looking for narwhal companions, he found a group of beluga whales and tried to make friends with them, but soon discovered that they spoke a different language from him and they ate different foods. But when they discover a common passion for the game, they quickly become friends. This picture book for children from 4 to 8 years old features expressive cartoon characters in aquamarine, dynamic scenes, and poetic prose wavy printed on the page: "They look like him-or close enough ——Although no one exercises ivory.” This book is adapted from a true story and finally summarized in the notes of a marine biologist. Little Narwhal, Not Alone is a touching story about overcoming obstacles, accepting each other and finding common ground-or common water-despite our differences.
Bowhead grandfather, Tell me a story by Aviaq Johnston, illustration by Tamara Campeau, page 28 Inhabit Media
Attention, grandparents! Grandpa Bowtou, tell me a story is the sweetest story you can share with your grandson this season. In this welcoming picture book, Little Arvaaq (meaning "nurturing little calf" in Inuktitut) presents to his grandfather a series of things he has seen and heard in the ocean for 200 years A series of questions. (Scientists believe that bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals on earth.) Grandfather bowhead whales responded with stories of incredible beauty and miracles, but always reminded little Avak that nothing can compare to him Happiness from grandson. "I have seen the northern lights running in the vast sky, but they are not as wonderful as when you first breathed." The painting illustrations in the blues add a calm and dreamy tone to the book. "Grandfather Archer, Tell Me a Story" is a powerful emotional book that beautifully expresses grandfather's love for grandson.
Hope on the Sea: An Adventure Story. Text and illustrations by Daniel Miyares, 44 pages. Anne Schwartz Books
Now for the daughters’ fathers: Hope at Sea: Adventure Story, Young Hope decides that she has heard enough stories from her sailor father—she wants to be a part of them. So she hid on his 19th century merchant ship. Hope's fear that her father would be angry with her disappeared because he hugged her as a crew member and taught her trading skills-knotting, watching the stars, even giving the ship a name (hope to shine) and painting it on On the hull. Hope is going through the adventure of a lifetime, until a storm falls on them, allowing them to accept the ultimate test. From Hope’s point of view, simple and descriptive text enables detailed, lifelike pictures to tell most of the story for children aged 4 to 8: "As we speed up, I can hear the windsurfing suddenly attract Pay attention and pay tribute to the wind." Hope on the Sea is a sweet maritime story of adventure, love and resilience. It shows that work should never overthrow the family.
Orca rescue! : The true story of an orphaned orca named Springer, illustrated by Donna Sandstrom on page 144 of Sarah Burwash. Children can press
In 2002, a young female killer whale was found swimming alone in Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington. Researchers quickly discovered that the whale was a two-year-old orphan named Springer, who was separated from her family in Canada, more than 480 kilometers away, but this was only the beginning of the story. In Orca Rescue! : In the true story of Orca, an orphan named Springer, Donna Sandstrom, a killer whale advocate involved in rescue work, tells the fascinating story of how Springer brought it home. In this illustrated book for children from 8 to 12 years old, Sandstrom shares insider details of the rescue (such as how a little boy was the first to stand up and say that Springer should be reunited with her family) and about killer whales Interesting facts (such as how they have white marks called saddle patches that are as unique as fingerprints). The soothing watercolor illustrations in soft tones capture events beautifully, while the map helps readers place their fingers where everything happened. Orca rescue! It is an inspiring story that contains memorable lessons about overcoming adversity, the power of teamwork, and the lasting power of family bonds.
Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment Isabelle Groc 128 pages of text and photos. Orca Book Publishers
Meet Dio, an Australian cattle dog that sniffs the faeces of the southern killer whales to help researchers better understand the behavior of these animals and how they help them. In Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment, author/photographer Isabelle Groc gives readers the opportunity to "handshake" several quadruped heroes who work in various jobs and environments around the world to help protect the fragile Species. This book is aimed at readers between the ages of 9 and 12, and explores the history of working dogs, what makes them so good at work, and what we can do to help them. The cute and action-packed photos of dogs at work give readers a rare glimpse of their work and life. Conservation Canines is a fascinating exploration of how our best friends in the animal kingdom can help us solve some of the most pressing environmental problems of our time, one smell at a time.
The Aquanaut text by Jill Heinerth. Illustration by Jaime Kim 32 pages Penguin Random House
Looking for a role model for the little explorer in life? In The Aquanaut, children will meet Jill Heinerth, a Canadian cave diver, underwater explorer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker. She was once a little girl with rich imagination and big ambitions. In this inspirational picture book for readers from 3 to 7 years old, Heinerth shares how her childhood dream was realized. When she was a child, she wanted to be an astronaut, floating in space and observing the moon up close. As an adult, she became a sailor, floating in the ocean, watching the moon jellyfish up close-and more, more. The story is told creatively by juxtaposing Heinerth's related childhood hopes (such as helping others) with her aspiring adult adventures (such as releasing turtles from fishing nets), with vivid illustrations of her at different stages of life. Aquanaut is an inspiring book about marine heroes, and it shows kids that anything is possible.
Shark bait! Text by Jeff Szpirglas and Danielle Saint-Onge. Illustration by Dave Whamond, 96 pages. Orca Book Publishers
Speaking of ambitious young adventurers, in Shark Bait!, a chapter book for children from 6 to 8 years old, readers meet the aspiring shark researcher Ollie. When Ollie and her family visit her grandmother in a seaside town in the summer, she packs fish heads to attract a great white shark named Delta that the researchers are studying and her tablet, so she can use the app to track the sharks Every move. When her parents arranged her in a sailing camp, she started various pranks while trying to find the delta and help protect other endangered animals. But her persistence paid off, and she eventually helped the researchers complete a critical task. Through lively dialogue and vivid illustrations, this book will engage children. Shark bait! It is an interesting book that exposes children to scientific research and technology and allows them to "go out". An added bonus: This book normalizes queer people and relationships, because Ollie’s grandmother is a couple.
Sink or Swim Text by Tash McAdam, page 112. Orca Book Publishers
Sink or Swim is another book that regulates the LGTBQIA2S+ community. In this chapter book for children over 12 years old, anxious transgender teenager Bass reluctantly rides a "borrowed" boat with his adventurous girlfriend Rosie. But a sudden violent storm destroyed their ship, trapped them on a desert island, and left them with bruises. The couple tried to survive, but their plight pushed them closer. Through fast-paced, action-packed narratives, readers understand the challenges of living in a desolate environment (finding food, water, shelter, and help) and the challenges of transgender growth (responding to bullying, gender dysphoria, tension, and itching) . The text is simple and vivid, and will resonate with this age group: "The ocean bullies him and forcibly enters his nose and throat." Sink or Swim is an uplifting book about bravery, love, and acceptance on the sometimes cruel coast And warm reading.
Raina Delisle is an award-winning journalist with a special interest in environment, health and culture. She previously served as the associate editor of Hakai magazine for four years. She is also a regular contributor to Chatelaine and Today's Parent, and has two non-fiction children's books about to collaborate with Orca Book Publishers. In her free time, people can find Raina and her family exploring the beaches, parks and trails of Vancouver Island. Taylor Luthers/Narwhal Photo
Cite this article: Raina Delisle "Fourteen new coastal children's books to entertain and inspire readers of all ages", Hakai Magazine, November 25, 2021, accessed December 14, 2021, https://hakaimagazine .com/features/fourteen-new -coastal-kids-books-to-entertain-and-inspire-readers-of-all-age/.
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