This handsome volume from the Sills' About Habitats series introduces the world's largest habitat. As in other books from the series, each double-page spread includes a full-page watercolor painting; the facing page carries a phrase or a sentence of large-print text and a brief note identifying the subject of the illustration. While a subject so complex is difficult to communicate to young children, the short, simple text touches on the vastness of Earth's oceans, their depths, constant movement, the varied creatures living in them, and the importance of protecting them. The paintings are notable for the subtle use of color to recreate effects of water and light within the scenes. The closing pages of this fine addition to science collections include a glossary and lists of books and websites as well as a 5-page section reprinting each of the 17 illustrations in miniature along with a paragraph of related information.

One simple sentence of text faces a full-page, detailed painting of an ocean feature, from geology to plants, with an emphasis on animals. Each numbered illustration corresponds to an afterword containing additional facts about such topics as zones, temperatures, and food. Easily accessible initially, the information expands with the reader's skill, though the labeling could be better. Bib., glos.