Explore the Rocky Shore with Sam and Crystal

Synopsis:

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"