The multitude of species found in and around Australian coral reefs are showcased creatively in this vibrant alphabet book. Lessac (illustrator of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, rev. 11/18) uses the A, B, and C pages to introduce big concepts about reef habitats: the types of reefs in the oceans near Australia, the concept of biodiversity, and the biology of corals. The focus then shifts to the animals that live in the reefs, with double-page spreads featuring Lessac's recognizable brightly colored illustrations of an array of animal groups and species in their shallow-water environments. Basic descriptions of familiar creatures such as fish, octopuses, and turtles as well as less-familiar species such as Queensland groupers, kanga nudibranchs, and violet sea apples are presented in larger text, with additional facts in smaller type incorporated throughout the illustrations. None of the letter matches (­including X for xanthid crabs) are forced -- and many more could have been selected -- underscoring the diversity of life in the reef habitats. An appended "spot the fish" challenge encourages readers to revisit the pages, this time on the hunt for specific fish species. Danielle J. Ford

Admire the astonishing biodiversity of Australian coral reefs.Lessac, who has written and illustrated numerous informational books about places around the world, here focuses on her home country. The volume is organized alphabetically, starting with A for Australian reefs (which discusses fringing and patch reefs and includes a map of reefs surrounding Australia) and B for biodiversity, to, finally, Z for zebra seahorses. Each spread includes a topic overview and a few brief paragraphs of further material likely to appeal to young readers. Sometimes, if the alphabet permits, there are two topics on a spread-like parrot fish and peacock shrimp or urchins and violet sea apples. Lessac profiles four different types of sharks whose names begin with W (whale sharks, whitetip reef sharks, walking sharks, and wobbegongs). Her detailed gouache paintings emphasize the colors, patterns, and varieties of the reef's coral and fish. A final page invites readers to go back and spot 12 different fish species found throughout. The information is accurate, and the lively images reward attention. This title joins a long line of coral reef celebrations, though it stands out for its stress on biodiversity, even occasionally showing how the many species are connected. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Sure to cultivate a sense of wonder at an oceanic ecosystem. (Informational picture book. 5-8)