Over and Under the Waves - by Kate Messner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback! Explore the wonders and beauties of the ocean's kelp forests in this addition to the acclaimed Over and Under series.

Award-winning duo Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal return in this latest addition to the Over and Under picture book series, this time exploring the rich, interconnected ecosystem of the ocean!

Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away--over and under the waves.

SO MANY FASCINATING FACTS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals and plants living in it--and the ocean is FULL of amazing and surprising life!

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MADE WONDERFUL: Preservation of our wilderness--and of our oceans in particular--is essential, and this book makes such a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance and wonder of our world's natural habitats and ecosystems.

THE GORGEOUS UNDERWATER WORLD: This new book in the Over and Under series illuminates the magic and amazing biodiversity of the kelp forest by telling the story of one family's kayaking trip through a real-world ocean ecosystem. Lyrical prose and color-drenched illustrations will draw even the most reluctant readers into the world.

STRONG CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize learning about animal habitats/biomes in K-2 curriculums, while later grades address topics like food chains, conservation, and endangered species. With a depth of research and an engaging, highly visual narrative, this book is an excellent resource for librarians and primary school educators.

FROM A FAVORITE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR TEAM: Kate Messner and Chris Neal make nonfiction approachable and appealing! These two award-winning creators have received countless accolades and published books to critical acclaim, making them the perfect team to tackle any nonfiction topic.

Perfect for:

• Those who loved Over and Under the Snow and other books in the Over and Under series
• Fans of Kate Messner
• Lovers of the ocean and marine life
• Parents and grandparents seeking beautiful books to read aloud together
• Teachers, educators, and librarians seeking illustrated nonfiction books with STEM content
• Anyone seeking a distinctive gift for a child who loves animals or nature

Review Quotes

"I adore this nonfiction series about nature...This latest installment depicts the beauty of the sea." -- Book Riot

"Neal's broad seascapes depict in precise detail bat stars and anchovies...graceful moon jellies and--thrillingly--massive whales in open waters...[T]houghtful], sometimes exhilarating encounters with nature." - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty books for young readers, including The Brilliant Deep, the Over and Under series, the History Smashers series, and more. Kate is the 2022 recipient of the Empire State Award for excellence in children's literature. Her science-themed picture books have been honored with the Green Earth Book Award and the Riverby Award for Natural History Writing and have been finalists for the American Academy for the Advancement of Sciences/Subaru SB&F prize for excellence in science writing. A former middle school teacher, Kate now splits her time between Lake Champlain and Florida's Gulf Coast. Learn more at katemessner.com.

Christopher Silas Neal is the award-winning artist of the Over and Under series, and he's the author and illustrator of Everyone and the Animals Colors, Animal Shapes board book series. His work has been published in a variety of books and magazines and featured on television. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn. Find out more about Chris at csneal.com.