About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep fascination with the ocean or starts asking big questions about why some animals are disappearing from the wild. It is a perfect choice for the quiet, observant child who feels a strong sense of empathy toward living things and wants to understand their role in protecting the planet. Unlike standard textbooks, this narrative feels like an intimate invitation into a secret world, blending scientific observation with a profound sense of wonder. Diane Ackerman takes readers on a journey to the remote Hawaiian islands to meet the rare monk seal. Through poetic prose and striking photography, the book explores themes of environmental stewardship, the fragility of nature, and the beauty of wild spaces. It is ideal for elementary-aged children (7 to 11) who are ready to move beyond simple animal facts and engage with the emotional and ethical side of conservation. Parents will appreciate how it inspires a sense of responsibility without being overly heavy-handed or frightening.
