Title: By The Sea – Life Along The Coast

Written by: Judith Homoki

Illustrated by: Martin Haake

Published by: Prestel

By The Sea – Life Along The Coast is a creative non-fiction book aimed at children 8+ but would also be suitable for use in the classroom with younger readers. Coasts have always been the starting of discovery whether by explorers searching for new lands or children sifting through the sand for beautiful shells.

The book starts by explaining how the Earth and the first coasts were formed.

The reader is then taken on an extraordinary journey around the world’s oceans. Each double-page is highly detailed and jam-packed with fascinating information on historic events, famous people and scientific facts. I particularly liked the spreads on the art of navigation, history of sailor’s tattoos, exotic sea life, myths and legends and pirates.

The book also provides a Twenty-First Century corrective to Western-centric narratives about exploration and colonialism including immigration and traditions.

By The Sea – Life Along The Coast looks at every aspect of critical coastal habitats, including the ebb and flow of tides; life in a coastal settlement; artistic depictions of seashores; native animals and plants; the whaling industry; tourism; and climate change. 

Readers can spend hours exploring the accompanying maps and scenes to discover fun bites and facts which will satisfy the most curious minds. This is indeed an ” informative, vibrant book that takes readers on a trip around the globe to foster a feeling of connection between their lives and the world’s coastlines.”

A great book for exploring during quiet reading times or to support a topic on the coastlines at all ages. A modern day encyclopaedia of the sea that will keep the children engaged and turning the pages.

You can buy copies of By The Sea – Life Along The Coast by Judith Homoki and Martin Haake from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.