The Coral Kingdom

With a strong ecological message about coral reefs and the need to protect this most precious of environments, this book begins with endpapers alive with numerous sea creatures, ranging from a minke whale to a blue-ringed octopus, a manta ray to a parrot fish. The  rhyming text is lyrical and engaging, as we learn of the life cycle, diversity and colour of the coral reef ecosystem.

Whilst it is bursting with information, the book still retains a great sense of wonder. “Though growing at a snail’s pace, it’s visible from outer space.” We then learn that the reef is now endangered, warmer seas not suiting its continued growth, and the human element is introduced. How can we help?? The plea is to use greener energy. The book ends with a double fold-out giving further information, eg what gives coral its colour, and why is the coral reef important? Finally, a page of changes that we humans can undertake to help protect coral reefs; saving  energy, using less water, gardening responsibly, not being litter bugs, and by spreading this environmental message. Young readers will be charmed by the endpapers, meeting the incredible dugong, seahorses, the moray eel and the spiny lobster. This amazingly illustrated book should be in every library and home, whether or not they are situated near a coastline.