Friday, May 25, 2018

Coral Reefs, Part I: Plant or Animal?



What makes up only one percent of the ocean but is home to almost one fourth of all marine species?



Answer: 
Coral Reefs

Home to millions of species of fish, crabs, starfish, clams, sponges, squid, lobsters, sea turtles, seahorses, and more, reefs have existed on earth for 400 million years.

Corals may look like rocks or plants, but they are actually animals that have taken 'root' on the ocean floor.  Each coral is like a condo with hundreds of little animals (polyps) living in tiny compartments.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Hello Ocean


Today I am reviewing a children's picture book by Pam Munoz Ryan entitled Hello Ocean, written for children ages 3-7.



Hello Ocean is a poem in tribute to the sea.  The text is written in both English and Spanish.  Right from the first, the author sets up a warm, familiar atmosphere by telling us how the ocean is her ‘old best friend’.  As the story progresses, Ms. Ryan introduces the reader to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches found both in the ocean and around the shore. 

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Look Out! It's a...SH-SH-SHARK!

Have you seen the 1975 movie thriller Jaws?  Many of us have, and most will never forget it.  
  • The shark fin.  
  • The music.  
  • The feeling of doom.  
  • And then--bigger than life--the movie's villain...

THE GREAT WHITE SHARK


Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Smallest Mr. Mom On The Planet





There are only three animal species on earth where the male becomes pregnant and gives birth: the seahorse and it's close relatives the sea dragon and pipe fish.  That makes the male in all three species the smallest Mr. Mom on the planet.