The World of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support 25% of all marine species with food and shelter. In this lavishly illustrated book for ages 7 to 10, marine ecologist and underwater explorer Erin Spencer provides fascinating, scientific information in a highly accessible format, including details about the types of coral, their anatomy and life cycle, where they live, how reefs develop, and the incredible diversity of marine animals that live among them, including aquarium favorites like clownfish, royal blue tangs, and sea turtles. Kids learn about the interdependent relationships of people and reefs and how human behavior puts reefs in danger, promising conservation work that scientists are undertaking, and solution-oriented ways kids and families can help in the effort.

“" The World of Coral Reefs is the perfect introduction to the "rainforests of the sea" and their wonderful creatures. This is the book I wish I had when I was a kid becoming interested in marine life." - Enric Sala, Explorer in Residence, National Geographic Society and Executive Director and Founder of Pristine Seas "An exciting guide for the next generation of ocean explorers, balancing the awe and wonder of the coral reef ecosystem with easy-to-understand science and facts that explore their importance and the immense threats they're currently facing." - Joe Grabowski, Director and Founder of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants and National Geographic Explorer”

"The World of Coral Reefs is the perfect introduction to the "rainforests of the sea" and their wonderful creatures. This is the book I wish I had when I was a kid becoming interested in marine life." - Enric Sala, Explorer in Residence, National Geographic Society and Executive Director and Founder of Pristine Seas

"An exciting guide for the next generation of ocean explorers, balancing the awe and wonder of the coral reef ecosystem with easy-to-understand science and facts that explore their importance and the immense threats they're currently facing." - Joe Grabowski, Director and Founder of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants and National Geographic Explorer

Erin Spencer is a marine ecologist and National Geographic Explorer whose articles, photos, and videos of marine life have been featured in National Geographic, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, and in publications of Ocean Conservancy. She is an avid public speaker and has presented to National Geographic, the World Bank, MCON, and TEDx, as well as many school groups. Originally from Maryland, she now lives in South Florida where she studies great hammerhead sharks and their prey for her PhD. Alexandria Neonakis is a freelance concept artist and illustrator from Nova Scotia, Canada, currently residing in Los Angeles. Through her agents at Bright, she's worked with publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Random House, Macmillan, Scholastic, and Inhabit Media. When she's not working, you'll find her at home with her husband John and their way too many pets, out in nature painting and shooting reference, or at the barn she rides at hanging out with horses.

Explore the Cities of the Sea A quarter of all ocean life depends on coral reefs! They provide food and shelter for a wide range of fascinating creatures, from sharks and sea turtles to octopuses and colorful fish. Take a deep dive with marine ecologist Erin Spencer to learn all about corals and their stunning world beneath the waves. How to coral reefs help humans? How do tiny animals called coral polyps build a vast ecosystem for thousands of other animals? What are scientists doing to protect the reefs, and how can you help?

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