Ocean Life: From A to Z [With DVD]

The Ocean Life From A to Z Book and DVD is much more than I hoped when I purchased it. I was not sure how good the DVD would be due to the low price. I was delighted to see not only a very beautiful and thorough book with georgeous photos and lots of scientific information, but an equally well-done full-length DVD. The main program on the DVD goes through the ocean telling all about many wonderful creatures and how tings work, showing multiple (in most cases) examples for each letter of the alphabet. The cinematography is excellent, and many creatures I had never seen before, even though we have studied the ocean a lot in our home-school. The DVD even has two extra little movies that are especially enjoyable for children. They get to see other children swimming and playing in the water as the narrator encourages them to pretend "you are a dolphin", etc. The second extra program is a chance to meet the photographer/diver. She is really passionate about the ocean and relates well to kids! It also tells about conservation and encourages good stewardship of our natural resources. This product is extremely well-done for children! I love it too (not a bit boring for adults). My just-turned 5 year-old and almost 9 year-old sons both love it! This is one of those things that stretches both up and down in age suitability. I would guess it would be enjoyed by very young to older kids (3 - 12+ ?). It is helpful for learning the alphabet, but is sooo much more. It is thorough, as each letter usually shows more than one type of creature. I highly recommend this for curious kids who love to learn and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. (This product is not religious by the way, but I am.) Katie, home-school mom of 3 sons

This title was originally purchased for the library that I work in. I reviewed the title for the collection and enjoyed it so much that I purchased a copy for my nephew. It is very informative as well as entertaining. The still photography and video are exceptionally well-done. I think it's a book and movie that kids will enjoy over and over. Cynthia

Many science and nature videos aimed at children offer little more than pretty pictures. Most A-B-C films merely recite a list of words chosen to match the letters, dressed up with brief and painfully dull commentary. Imagine our delight (no, our amazement) at this combination of spectacular videography and deep. instructive narration. Annie's voice and narrative pace are well suited to young viewers, but she delivers a great deal of information in a way that respects a child's ability and desire to learn. Every creature she introduces is described in ways that make it clearly, fascinatingly different from the others. Our son insists that we be quiet so he can hear every word. On top of all this information quality, the videography is simply gorgeous. I don't know how she finds such crystalline water and beautiful subjects but these are the best underwater images we've ever seen. We cannot recommend this highly enough.

This is the most amazing book and DVD. My children are totally engaged by the brilliant pictures and stories about the fish and have learned all the fish by name. The accompanying DVD is truly spectactular and something that both kids and adults will enjoy. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys the ocean and wants to share that joy with their children. The book and DVD are both entertaining and educational, a true keepsake in any child's library collection.

I am a grade school librarian. I have read this book to all my pre-k -third graders and they love it! The DVD is a huge hit! My own four year old requests this DVD often! I give this book and DVD a definite thumbs up!