The Great Southern Reef

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By: Paul Venzo, Prue Francis Illustrated by: Cate James

eBook - May 2022 - eRetailers

Go beachcombing with Professor Seaweed and learn about the hidden treasures of the sea.

Have you heard of the Great Southern Reef? + Full description

Join Professor Seaweed and her friends Frankie and Sam to learn more about one of Australia's 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!

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6–9.

- Short description

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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, 27 April 2022

"The Great Southern Reef is celebrated and championed in this delightful non-fiction narrative. With Professor Seaweed as expert guide, Frankie and Sam, along with readers, uncover the secrets of the reef and discover a rich and diverse ecosystem that teems with life."
A World about Books, 23 May 2022

"For both adults and children this story will remind them of moments spent walking along a beach and searching for hidden treasures from the sea."
Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus, 4 May 2022

"Frankie, Sam and Professor Seaweed's story is a great way to put the spotlight on a important part of our environment, and to make us aware of Australian marine life. The Great Southern Reef is sure to inspire a beach combing walk, and encourage children to learn more about what they find next time they visit the beach."
Sarah Steed, Kids' Book Review, 1 May 2022

"The illustrated children’s book, The Great Southern Reef, [...] raises much-needed awareness of this unique reef ecosystem as ‘an entity’ and increases children’s, 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, September 2022

"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), March 2023

Details

Hardback | May 2022 | $ 24.99
ISBN: 9781486315314 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations

ePDF | May 2022
ISBN: 9781486315321
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

ePUB | May 2022
ISBN: 9781486316571
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

Features

Introduces the Great Southern Reef, a relatively unknown part of Australia's ocean environments
Connects young readers to familiar marine environments
Inspires kids to explore the nature at their local beaches in a safe and responsible way

Authors

Paul Venzo and Prue Francis work across children's literature and marine science at Deakin University. They want to connect younger readers with stories and information about life in and around Australia’s oceans.

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. Cate's favourite things to draw are native Australian trees and wildlife.