Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea (by Chris Butterworth)

common sense media says

Kids will dive into this secret undersea world.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing of concern in any of the fascinating facts presented in this nonfiction book. They will be as captivated and amazed as their kids will be.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why the sea horse is called the "shyest fish in the sea," and how it moves, eats, and reproduces, all of which is introduced in the book. Why do you think we rarely see this tiny fish except in a special exhibit, especially when so many are born each month?

What's the story?

What's the story?
From start to finish, text and illustrations work together to present the amazing world of Barbouri's sea horse. On the first pages, readers must search among the sea-grass meadow to find the shy little sea horse. From then on, page after page take us deeper into the ocean world to explain what this fish looks like, how it moves, camouflages itself, reproduces, and where it lives.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Together, the blue printed text and sensitive illustrations of SEA HORSE: THE SHYEST FISH IN THE SEA will pull any reader into the amazing world of what looks like a part-horse, part-dragon creature. Different print sizes play together to unfold the intricate life story of the Barbour's sea horse, a tale that's factual and intriguing. Illustrations that almost seem too muted add to the undersea reality. Vinyl engravings, watercolor washes, and printed wood textures done in brownish tones of blue, green, and orange were created by John Lawrence, who also illustrated This Little Chick, one New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year.

Unusual in a children's book, pages here are numbered, and the text is followed by a short index to help the reader find out about specific "sea horse things" that may be of particular interest. And, though this book by Chris Butterworth focuses on just one type of sea horse, drawings on the inside covers picture and identify 10 other leading species. This is a wonderful example of a nonfiction story told in an entertaining and artistic way, and for preschoolers and kindergartners it's a perfect introduction to research reading.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Chris Butterworth
Illustrator: John Lawrence
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: April 11, 2006
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

Review It

 

Review Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more books
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines