Mark Leiren-Young

Take a dive in the oceans of the world with whales big and small!

In Big Whales, Small World you will meet whales from around the world. This rhyming photographic board book visits the oceans of places like New Zealand, Russia and South America. Writer, filmmaker and orca activist Mark Leiren-Young introduces young readers to blue whales bigger than dinosaurs and tiny vaquitas who swim close to shores.

Educator Information
Board book for ages 0-2.

Young readers learn one interesting fact about each marine mammal in this clever, rhyming board boook.

It is illegal to take underwater pictures of certain endangered whales. All of the photos in this book were sourced and taken legally.

Keywords / Subjects: whales of the world, ocean, environment, sea mammals, orcas, endangered animals, marine life.

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" 

Orcas are found in every ocean on the planet. But can they survive their relationship with humans? Orcas Everywhere looks at how humans around the world (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) related to orcas in the past, how we relate to them now and what we can do to keep cetacean communities alive and thriving. The book deals with science, philosophy, environmentalism and ethics in a kid-friendly and accessible way. Writer, filmmaker and orca activist Mark Leiren-Young takes us back to when killer whales were considered monsters and examines how humans went from using orcas for target practice to nearly loving them to death. If you know a young person who loves Free Willy or Finding Nemo, they will fall in love with these whales.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9-12.

Some Indigenous content, but it is not the sole focus of this work.

This book is part of the Orca Wild series, which explores the lives of the creatures with whom we share the world and asks readers to consider the effects -- both positive and negative -- that humans have on vulnerable animal populations and habitats.

Additional Information
160 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"

Meet the most famous whales in the world.

Meet Onyx and the orcas of J pod, the world’s most famous whales. Illustrated with stunning photos, this picture book introduces young readers to the orcas humans first fell in love with. The members of J pod live in the Salish Sea, off the coast of Washington and British Columbia. Moby Doll was the first orca ever displayed in captivity, Granny was the oldest orca known to humanity, and Scarlet was the orca humans fought to save.

Reviews
“A well-crafted informative picture book that could be easily used as a read-aloud or part of research for grades K-2. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Interesting facts are presented with a peppy writing style...Text is elevated by intriguing photos of these fascinating creatures.” — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book introduces readers to J pod, some of the most famous whales in the world, and its members, such as Onyx, Granny, Moby Doll, and Scarlet. We find out where they live, what they eat, how they communicate, and how they got their name.

Includes additional resources, a glossary, and a map that shows the orcas' migratory route.

Keywords / Subjects: whales, conservation, ocean, environment, souther residents, orcas.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.75" x 8.75"

Explore the latest science about sharks.

Did you know that some sharks have friends? Or that there are sharks small enough to swim in a soup can? There are sharks who can walk on land and others who make their own light. There are ancient sharks who lived in the oceans millions of years ago, and new species who have just been discovered. Most importantly, did you know that most sharks are fighting for their survival?

Sharks Forever takes a deep dive into the lives of sharks––their habitat, biology, habits and personalities. It also looks at the biggest threats to their existence, from marine pollution and overfishing to bycatch and shark-fin soup. It goes beyond the bites and shares stories about people who swim with sharks and call them friends.

Reviews
“A wealth of fascinating research about sharks...If you weren’t a fan of sharks before reading Sharks Forever, you will undoubtedly come away with a new perspective. This up-to-date and comprehensive book will go a long way in convincing readers of the value of one of the world’s top predators and its rightful place in ocean ecosystems. Highly Recommended.”— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“A passion for sharks shines through…A great addition to a unit on ocean life, ecosystems, apex predators, or conservation.”— Children's Literature

“An important book that’s fun to read. Sharks Forever presents beautiful images, captivating information and engaging stories, while underscoring the importance of shark conservation. It achieves something rare—a connection with sharks as individuals. We get insights into their communication, personalities and friendships. This is the shark book the world needs.”— Julia Barnes, Sea of Life filmmaker

“You’re either fascinated by sharks or terrified of them. Regardless, Sharks Forever is informative and offers fascinating insight into not only the science of sharks but their undeniable impact on the human race.”-  Madison “Shark Girl” Stewart, filmmaker and activist

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Wild series that examines the intricacies of animals, ecosystems, humans and our relationships to each other.

Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Additional Information
99 pages | 7.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover