Down East in the Ocean

November 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 1-This rhyming counting book features animals associated with the Maine seashore, but that can also be found on many other beaches. Each spread tells a mini story of parent and offspring while introducing the concept of counting. For example, one mother seal says, "Swim," and her one little seal says, "I swim" in a call-and-response format that is used for every number. All of the fish, marine mammals, crabs, and birds look as if they're smiling, even the fierce three ospreys and six eagles. The five faceless jellyfish somehow manage to look as if they're tumbling through the water for fun as they obey their mother's request to float, and even the eight squirting mussels look filled with joy. This is an engaging way to learn numbers and a great beach book. Music notations are included at the end to put the verses to song.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
The rhymed text, to the tune of "Over in the Meadow," counts Maine's sea and bird life from one to ten: "Down East in the ocean," one baby seal, three ospreys, four crabs, eight clams, and ten lobsters swim, fly, crawl, squirt, and hide, respectively. Illustrations are appropriately framed with ocean-life motifs. The package, though slight, has regional appeal.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)