Over in the Ocean: A Beach Baby Animal Habitat Book

Where counting meets coral reefs--and learning comes alive.

Submerge young readers in the colorful world of marine life with Over in the Ocean. This interactive picture book brings early math, science, and language together in a joyful, rhythmic format that kids love--and teachers trust.

Set to the familiar tune of "Over in the Meadow," each verse introduces a new baby ocean animal--from puffing pufferfish to fluttering seahorses--with playful actions kids can mimic. Jeanette Canyon's breathtaking polymer clay illustrations add rich texture and seek-and-find excitement to every page.

Why readers return to this ocean adventure:

• Sing, count, and learn with rhyming verses that support early math and literacy skills
• Discover the coral reef through scientifically accurate animal behaviors and vivid artwork
• Engage through play with interactive movements and hidden animals to spot on every page
• Extend the experience with backmatter full of ocean facts and ideas for classroom or home learning

Ideal for preschool through Grade 2, this book is a favorite for ocean units, science centers, story time shelves, and nature-loving families. It's part of Marianne Berkes's acclaimed "Our World, Our Home" series--celebrated for sparking curiosity, encouraging empathy for wildlife, and aligning beautifully with STEM education goals.

Marianne Berkes has spent much of her life as a teacher, children's theater director and children's librarian. She knows how much children enjoy "interactive" stories and is the author of many entertaining and educational picture books that make a child's learning relevant. Reading, music, theater, gardening, and cooking have been a constant in Marianne's life. Her books are inspired by her love of nature. Marianne hopes to open kids' eyes to the magic found in our natural world. She now writes full time. An energetic presenter at schools and conferences, Marianne believes that "hands on" learning is fun. Her website is www.MarianneBerkes.com.

Jeanette Canyon received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Columbus College of Art & Design. Inspired by the philosophy and schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, she has enjoyed a distinguished career as an artist and arts educator of young children for over a decade. She now spends her time creating art for children's books, visiting schools, and sharing her creative spirit with others.

The whimsical, brightly colored and richly textured illustrations Jeanette Canyon creates for her books are relief sculptures fashioned from polymer clay with an occasional use of mixed media. She explains, "As a fine artist, I love to express myself with an array of colors, patterns and textures, and to make things with my hands--just as children do! The original art I create from polymer clay speaks to my love of both sculpting and painting." Unbounded imagination, a belief in unlimited possibilities and a celebration of creativity are the motivations that shape her innovative approach to the strikingly beautiful art she creates for children's books. Her artistic inspiration, coupled with great skill and talent are the ingredients to her spellbinding pictures that are loved and admired by children and adults alike.

Jeannette has published three books with Dawn Publications. Her first book, the bestselling Over in the Ocean, In a Coral Reef has won several awards, including the 2006 Learning Magazine Teacher's Choice Award. Her second book, City Beats (written by S. Kelly Rammell), was selected by the New York Public Library as one of their Top 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing. The highly anticipated Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme will be published in March 2007.