Ocean Seasons

Seasons change in the ocean much as they do on land. Spring brings new plants and baby animals, while summer oceans are aglow with sparkly plankton lights, and autumn winds blow across the open water. In winter the humpback whales migrate to warmer waters, just as some land animals move to warmer climates. In fun, fanciful form, children learn about plants and animals that are joined through the mix of seasons, food webs and habitats beneath the waves. While set in the Pacific, similar changes occur in all the world’s ocean.

Written by Ron Hirschi Illustrated by: Kirsten Carlson	32 pg 8.5'' X 10'', Ages 5-9, Lexile: 950 / NC Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9777423-2-5, $15.95 Paperback ISBN: 978-1-9343591-6-7, $8.95
Purchase:

"This is a wonderful read-aloud. It is smooth, lovely, and nearly lyrical. With the right tone of voice I think it could lure a child right to sleep. But it does more than that. Full of interesting facts, it introduces children to the beautiful marine world. Wonderful look at the oceans." - Armchair Interviews

"As a homeschooling mother, I am always looking for children's books that contain great education value, not just fluffy stories. Ocean Seasons is the type of book I love. This is a homeschool parent's dream." - The Old Homeschool Magazine

"While this beautifully written and illustrated book focuses on the Pacific Ocean, it can easily be adapted to life in other oceans. Whether used for research or to satisfy children's curiosity, this new take on the cycle of life will bring wonderment." - ForeWord Magazine

Author/Artist Bio:

Ron Hirschi lives on a small island in western Washington and walks the beach most days of the year. As a biologist, he also spends much time on the water, learning about and helping salmon and other aquatic fish and wildlife. As an author, he brings the excitement of what he learns onto the pages of books for young readers. Ron has written over 50 children’s books. His books have been listed as Best Science Trade Books of the year, and won the John Burroughs Nature Book among other awards. Several of his books have been featured on Reading Rainbow. In addition to writing, Ron enjoys working directly with kids and takes them outside during his many school visits. They net fish to study water quality or search for frogs and salamanders in small ponds. They also study ocean life and it was on a trip to the beach with a group of elementary students that he got the idea for this book. Ron helped to raise the funds to purchase a tidal wetland that is now an environmental learning center and critical habitat for endangered salmon. His book, Salmon, remains a fund raiser for this (Nick’s Lagoon) project.  Visit Ron's website.

Kirsten Carlson is fascinated by animals and nature. Her background in biology, scientific illustration and design has given her the tools to share stories about the natural world through illustration. She believes illustrating children’s books are a wonderful way to connect others to nature. Prior to illustrating Ocean Seasons, Kirsten illustrated The Giraffe Who Was Afraid of Heights, also published by Sylvan Dell. Kirsten lives in Gig Harbor, Washington near the shores of Puget Sound. Visit Kirsten's website.