The Great Southern Reef

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

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Physical Properties

Description

Age range 6 to 9

Have you heard of the Great Southern Reef

Join Professor Seaweed and her friends Frankie and Sam to learn more about one of Australias best kept secrets!

The Great Southern Reef spans thousands of kilometres along the coast from northern New South Wales to Western Australia. It is home to giant kelp forests and fascinating animals such as rock lobsters, sea snails and sponges. Explore the sandy beaches with this inquisitive trio, and discover marine curiosities that are washed up along the coast after a big storm.

You may be inspired to go beachcombing yourself, to learn and care about the animals and seaweed that you find!

Reviews

"Despite 70% of us living within 50km of it [the Great Southern Reef], its existence is little known and so this beautifully illustrated, informative book is an essential step in teaching our young students (and hopefully the adults in their lives) not only about its existence and inhabitants but also its importance." -- Barbara Braxton * The Bottom Shelf *
"The inspiring imagery leaves plenty of scope for parents to deviate from the educational storyline and create their own beachcombing adventure with their children. The story is likely to provide inspiration for real life beachcombing and rockpool adventures, where children can bring facts learned through reading into the real world." -- Chris Roberts * Australian Marine Science Bulletin Number 210 (1) *
"The illustrated childrens book, The Great Southern Reef, [...] raises much-needed awareness of this unique reef ecosystem as an entity and increases childrens, as well as parents and teachers knowledge on the flora and fauna inhabiting kelp forests. [It] is a wonderful asset to any home or Australian school curriculum (or schools aboard), particularly those in close proximity to kelp forests, with added opportunities to participate in beachcoming activities/hands-on learning on field trips." -- Sharon Wismer * Australian Journal of Environmental Education *

Author Bio

Cate James is a children's book illustrator who lives by the ocean and loves swimming at the beach. She has a very naughty miniature dachshund called Sebastian who barks a lot. Cates favourite things to draw are native Australian trees and wildlife. Prue Francis, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in marine science at Deakin University. A passionate marine educator, she loves snorkelling and exploring rock pools along the Great Southern Reef. Paul Venzo, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in writing, literature, and culture at Deakin University. A poet and author, he lives alongside Australias Great Southern Reef.