Karen Gillmore

With beautiful, scientifically accurate illustrations, this fascinating story teaches children about the many fish, crustaceans, marine mammals, and micro-organisms that live in and feed off the eelgrass meadows of the north Pacific coastal region.

Sam and Crystal’s coastal adventure continues as brother and sister dive deeper—literally—into the marine habitats of Eagle Cove, home of Aunt Kate and Uncle Charlie. In their third adventure, the kids learn about one of the most ecologically important ecosystems on the west coast: the eelgrass meadow. This rich habitat provides food and shelter to countless marine critters—from tiny micro-organisms to juvenile fish, and is the basis of a gigantic food web that supports herring, salmon, black bears, humpback whales and many other species. Ada, an Indigenous woman from nearby Salmon Bay Village, tells the children about her people’s knowledge of land and sea, complementing Aunt Kate’s Western scientific teachings and reinforcing the importance of respecting nature. Combining an entertaining story with gorgeous imagery and the author’s scientific background and extensive work with Indigenous Elders and educators, Explore the Eelgrass Meadow with Sam and Crystal brings the coastline to life for children ages eight and up.

Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8-11.

This book is part of the Explore with Sam and Crystal series.

A brother and sister learn about the importance of the eelgrass meadow, a fascinating and complex marine ecosystem that sustains a variety of life on the North Pacific coast.

This book explores themes of marine biology, biodiversity, animal behavior and the interconnectedness of animal species with their habitats. It examines ethical issues related to environmental protection, endangered species and people’s respect for nature.

Gloria Snively was compelled to write this series because of the serious degradation of our coastal ecosystems. As an educator and curriculum developer, she feels we need to do a better job of educating youth about basic marine ecology. 

Snively is a founding member of the Northwest Association of Marine Educators (NAME).

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.00" x 10.00"

A lavishly illustrated story that teaches children about the marine ecosystems of coastal Pacific rocky shores.

Siblings Crystal and Sam and their Aunt Kate and Uncle Charlie explore the tide pools of Eagle Cove, a sheltered inlet on the Northwest Pacific Coast.  The children discover that you don’t have to go far out to sea to encounter some remarkable creatures: a great variety of crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, sea urchins, snails, shrimps, clams, jellyfish and much more.  With the help of Ada, an Indigenous woman, the children learn about Raven’s intelligence and playfulness, encounter Grandfather Father Tidepool Sculpin, and explore the shoreline through the eyes of an ancient fish.  The fantasy enables the children to gain an understanding of the High Tide Zone, the Middle Tide Zone, and the Low Tide Zone.  For example, in the chapter “Sunflower Sea Star, the Terror of the Seashore”, Karen’s drawings clearly illustrate a cockle clam’s reaction to the approach of a sea star! 

“Although a fictitious story, the accuracy of the facts is guaranteed as Gloria Snively is a University of Victoria professor emeritus of science, environmental and marine education”.  Gloria’s work with Indigenous educators and elders brings authenticity to every page. “Beautifully illustrated with colourful and scientifically accurate drawings and paintings, the book is both an entertaining story and a useful learning tool”. 

Reviews
"As Sam and Crystal explore the coast with Uncle Charlie, Aunt Kate, Ada, and Grandfather Sculpin they come to understand the interconnectedness of all things through food gathering, food preparation, and giving thanks to the salmon. Throughout the story, the children receive teachings about the importance of respecting and making wise decisions about the ocean and our plant and animal family." — 'Nalaga Donna Cranmer, 'Namgis First Nation, Principal of Wagalus School, Fort Rupert, BC

"Gloria Snively’s beautiful book fires up the imagination and makes learning fun and effortless." — Holly Arntzen, eco-songwriter/singer/producer, Artist Response Team (ART)

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6-12.

This book is part of the Explore with Sam and Crystal Series.

Notes from the author: "These books are set in a fictional setting but depict northwest coast marine creatures as well as Northwest Coast Indigenous ways of harvesting ocean resources and relating to the land, the ocean, and all of creation."

"The stories are about Sam and Crystal who visit their Aunt Kate and Uncle Charlie in a remote coast location. A fifth major character is Ada, an Indigenous woman who is Aunt Kate’s best friend. Aunt Kate is a retired marine biologist. The two women teach the children all about marine organisms and in particular to take care of the seashore and all its living creatures—Aunt Kate from a biological/ecological perspective and Ada from a coastal Indigenous, often spiritual perspective. The two ways of knowing overlap and reinforce the importance of sustainability and respecting all the creatures of nature."

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.00" x 10.00"

Sam has always dreamed about being an orca, while Crystal discovers she hopes to grow up and study orcas as a marine biologist. When the siblings head to the Pacific coast to visit their aunt and uncle, they are in for a treat! Aunt Kate is a marine biologist, and she has all kinds of interesting facts to share about the Resident orca pods.

Sam and Crystal learn about the different populations of orcas and their food sources, attend the Save the Salish Sea Festival with an Indigenous woman, and have their own incredible adventure with an orca pod. They come away with a new understanding about the role they play in protecting our animal friends and what it will take to ensure that the orca pods have their own vibrant, beautiful future.

Join an Orca Family with Sam and Crystal is the fourth book in the Sam and Crystal series. It weaves a wealth of factual information about the orcas of the Pacific Northwest Coast with an entertaining story and beautiful, whimsical, biologically accurate illustrations. Children will learn basic ecology concepts while exploring the Pacific coastline right alongside Sam and Crystal.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 11 and under.

This book is part of the Explore with Sam and Crystal Series.

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover