Publisher's Hardcover ©2019 | -- |
Cats. Juvenile fiction.
Tide pool animals. Juvenile fiction.
Friendship. Juvenile fiction.
Empathy. Juvenile fiction.
Cats. Fiction.
Anemones. Fiction.
Empathy. Fiction.
Friendship. Fiction.
Marine animals. Fiction.
Lost and found possessions. Fiction.
An adventurous feline named Catastrophe loses his way and finds himself prowling a tide pool. He'd like to play, but the octopus squirts ink at him, and a sea anemone stings him with her tentacles. The barnacles make interesting noises, but they never leave home. When the tide rolls in, Catastrophe is swept up, tossed around, and deposited near some driftwood; the tide pool is now submerged. The next morning, the pool reappears, and two children arrive to rescue the cat. Peterson's lyrical text perfectly complements Young's stunning mixed-media-and-collage artwork. In one spread, the cat's shadow looms over a flailing, gigantic red octopus; in another, Catastrophe's paws reach out to the delicate, pastel tentacles of an anemone; and a band of purple barnacles rhythmically click and clack their shells despite being permanently attached to a rock. The layout, including text that swirls artistically, much as the sea ebbs and flows, is also noteworthy. Appended with further discussion of tide pools and the importance of empathizing with these creatures.
Kirkus Reviews (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)A lost Siamese cat learns about life on an ocean beach and in a tide pool.Catastrophe the cat has wandered too far from home, ending up alone on a beach. He is befriended by several sea creatures who speak kindly to him. These characters include a sea anemone named Naimonee and a barnacle named Buddy. Dancing crabs and sand dollars join Buddy and pals in a "barnacle band" as they click their shells like castanets. Catastrophe survives being sucked into the tide pool by the undertow, and he is eventually rescued by two brown-skinned children who recognize him from lost-cat posters they have seen in the area. Caldecott Medalist Young's collage illustrations are intriguing but mysterious, as it is sometimes difficult to identify characters, and the text often feels out of sync with the illustrations. Buddy the barnacle in particular is problematic, as he is a main character but is seldom shown and difficult to spot. Many of the torn-paper collage illustrations of the cat are compelling, and the variety of textures and effects achieved with the combination of different papers is fascinating when perused closely. As explained in an afterword, the fanciful story was developed in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium as an effort to increase empathy for sea life.A well-intended, unusual, but not entirely successful story bringing sea creatures into focus. (Picture book. 4-9)
School Library Journal (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)K-Gr 3 The marine creatures living in the tide pool along the ocean's edge are at first alarmed by the cat that has pounced his way there, a long way from home. But after a stinging confrontation between the cat and a sea anemone turns amicable, the other sea creatures extend a welcome to Catastrophe the cat as well. Catastrophe learns about the diverse lifestyles of the ocean creatures and is sad when he can't find them after a strong and violent tide nearly washes them all away. However, Catastrophe soon learns of the amazing resilience of the sea animals and develops a strong affinity and appreciation for them as individuals. Through characters such as Buddy the barnacle and Naimonee the anemone as well as a dance troupe of crabs and a band of barnacles, young readers will learn some of the characteristics that make these creatures unique. Written by acclaimed nature writer Peterson, in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, the uniquely creative picture book tells an adventure story that builds awareness, understanding, and empathy for a world that some may overlook or take for granted. There is a wealth of information and inspiration to learn by observing the teamwork and survival skills of the smallest of living things. Young's distinctive collage artwork is phenomenal and adds texture and detail to the story that is integral to the moods of the book. VERDICT A harmonious picture book that celebrates biodiversity and builds empathy. Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
ALA Booklist (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Kirkus Reviews (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
School Library Journal (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Can empathy inspire conservation and bring us closer to nature?
The marine world is a strange and wonderful place to explore. Life beneath the waves may be the strangest of all. Ocean creatures look very different and lead diverse lives. This biodiversity strengthens the system--but can make it hard for us to feel connected to these alien beings. Empathy asks us to swim a mile in their fins. This helps us see and feel what we have in common with even the strangest of ocean creatures. Feeling connected to ocean animals includes them in our circle of concern, so we care and conserve them.
What began with an idea from the team at the Seattle Aquarium to develop a tool that would help build empathy in Aquarium guests led to a fruitful collaboration and this beautiful book. Storytelling is one of the most powerful empathy-building tools; it invites us to step into the tale and experience the story alongside our characters. We hope you enjoy exploring the tide pools with Catastrophe and feel just a little closer to this captivating aquatic world."
Excerpted from Catastrophe by the Sea
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
From revered nature writer Brenda Peterson and told through striking and vibrant mixed-media collages by Caldecott Medalist Ed Young, Catastrophe by the Sea is a poignant story of redemption through empathy and compassion found in the most surprising places, and also provides a rich understanding of small creatures that live in a dangerous tidal zone. A lost cat roams the tide pools, pawing relentlessly at the small creatures that live there. One day an anemone confronts him and asks why he is alone and befriends him. In partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, Catastrophe by the Sea delivers a powerful message of finding understanding and friendship, and at the same time educates on the varied wildlife brimming in tide pools. "For several years, the Seattle Aquarium has studied the role of empathy in promoting conservation. Empathy is the ability to perceive, understand and care about the experiences or perspectives of another person or animal. We most often feel empathy for other people, but we can also feel empathy for animals. This led us to the idea of a children's book. Animals are regular protagonists in children's books, but these characters are primarily vertebrates and often charismatic mammals. Could we create a book that would allow kids and their caregivers to empathize with strange and exotic marine animals, like sea anemones or barnacles? We hope this book strikes a chord with audiences and fosters empathy for animals less like us." --Jim Wharton, director of conservation engagement and learning at the Seattle Aquarium