The World of Coral Reefs

Home to millions of animals, coral reefs are the “rainforests of the sea”, boasting more plants and animals than almost any other place on Earth. Within this book’s 20 chapters is information about the parts of a reef and the different animals found at various depths; the types of reefs (fringing, barrier and atoll) and how one type can change into another; how a reef is formed; the differences between hard and soft corals; and how reefs help people by providing food, shelter from storms and even scientific discoveries. (What is not made clear is how scientists have found ways to treat cancer and other diseases by studying reefs.) It is interesting to note that, in a book of nonfiction, a Hawaiian creation story is included. According to Hawaiian legend, the coral polyp was the first animal born on Earth.

The World of Coral Reefs also introduces readers to some of the animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates, that live in a reef, as well as terms such as “mutualistic relationship”, “sessile animals” and “coral bleaching”. Finally, there are suggestions as to how people can help to preserve reefs through more mindful household practices, some examples of which are using ocean-friendly, non-toxic products, conserving water, and not throwing trash into the ocean or along the shore.

Marine biologist/author Spencer presents the text in small snippets, short paragraphs, as well as single sentences alongside some of the illustrations. Bright and colourful, echoing the many hues of the reef and its inhabitants, the illustrations purposely lack crispness, perhaps due to the medium used, or perhaps to show readers how the corals and other creatures of the sea would appear underwater. Illustrations consist of drawings, diagrams, maps and a pie graph.

A table of contents, a glossary, an index and a list of web sites for further study are provided in The World of Coral Reefs along with a URL for a curriculum guide for educators.