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Read, Learn & Create--The Ocean Craft Book

Author Clare Beaton, Rudi Haig

Illustrated by Clare Beaton

Hardcover

$17.99 US

Charlesbridge

10.25"W x 10.31"H x 0.41"D | 16 oz | 20 per carton

On sale May 07, 2019 | 32 Pages | 978-1-58089-941-3

Age 6-9 years | Grades 1-4

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Children's > Non-fiction

Perfect for your preK explorers and your elementary artists. Make a craft inspired by ocean--and learn something, too!

What can you create with just a cardboard box and some construction paper? Your very own coral reef! Use easy-to-follow directions to make thirteen crafts (and one recipe), each one focused on the ocean. Crafts include fun facts and additional resources, giving covert learning opportunities for your little explorer and reducing screentime.

Young makers will learn ways to use (and reuse) everyday items in craft projects based on various kinds of ocean life, but this book goes above and beyond, also teaching about those creatures and the waters they call home. The double-page spreads are well organized, keeping all informational text about the given subject on the left-hand page, while placing all instructions for a related craft on the right-hand page. Beaton’s illustrations of the animals, such as dolphins and sharks, are colorful, and they are accompanied by helpful templates as well as an image of the finished craft. Steps are clearly described and can be completed by children with little to no adult supervision. Interesting facts about each animal will help children understand more about marine life, the dangers of pollution, and what they can do to help. Written in a knowledgeable voice and combining fun facts with creative ideas, this informative craft book is a must for any nonfiction children’s collection.
—Booklist

* Clare Beaton creates illustrations for children's books using felt, buttons, fabrics, and other recycled materials. She has made art for children's puzzles and games, as well as television ads. She studied graphics and illustration and has three grown children. Clare grew up in North London where she still lives and works.
* Rudi Haig is a digital content editor, copywriter, and journalist. He considers himself a bon vivant who loves pop culture, film, music, travel, coffee, and living beyond his means. He lives in London.<

Clare Beaton View titles by Clare Beaton

Rudi Haig View titles by Rudi Haig

Luminous Creatures

There are some parts of the ocean that are very deep. The deepest part is 36,000 feet (11,000 meters)—that’s about how high planes fly in the sky. It is very dark because sunlight can’t reach so deep. Many sea creatures that live very deep produce their own light. It is called bioluminescence. Creatures glow and glitter for many reasons. Anglerfish dangle a lighted lure in front of their mouth to attract prey. Deep-sea worms produce different lights to communicate with one another. Bioluminescence can also protect animals by scaring or confusing predators.

What You Will Need
thick white paper, brightly colored crayons, black poster paint and a large paintbrush, toothpicks
1. Color your white paper with colorful sections using crayons. Be sure you make a thick layer of crayon and don’t leave any white showing when you’re done. (See image 1 below.)
2. Paint over the colors with a layer of black paint and leave until it’s completely dry. (See image 2.)
3. Using a toothpick, lightly scratch through the paint to draw deep-sea creatures. (See image 3.) Make them as amazing as you can! (See the illustrations for inspiration.)