Publisher's Synopsis
Join zoologist Chris Humfrey as he dives headfirst into the fascinating watery worlds of Australia's shorelines. Discover amazing creatures and learn about their classification, adaptations, habitat and ecological niche, plus loads of quirky fun facts. Get up-close and personal with: Brown Sea Algae, Eleven-armed Seastar, Purple Sea Urchin, Brown Sea Cucumber, Southern Hermit Crab, Elephant Snail, Pot-bellied Seahorse, Blue-ringed Octopus, Great Spider Crab, Port Jackson Shark, Little Penguin, Waratah Anemone, Slender-spined Porcupinefish, Southern Biscuit Seastar and Weedy Seadragon. Chris says "Marine creatures don't always receive the attention of their 'landlubber' counterparts" but his engaging and often hilarious writing style turns an animal which at first appears ordinary into the extraordinary! For instance, did you know that the father seahorse gives birth to the babies and keeps the young a pouch, just like a kangaroo? Or, amazingly, that the venomous blue-ringed octopus has a beak it its mouth just like your pet budgie, only with a toxic saliva sting! Or that half the planet's oxygen, which is essential for our survival, is derived from the likes of macro algae in the world's oceans? Packed with stunning images the book is suitable for both younger and older children. The information ties in neatly with the school curriculum, and the use of fun and engaging scientific language and stunning images will encourage your 'animal-mad' child to read the book again and again!
