The Illustrated World of Oceans - Hardcover

Grade 4-6-- At first glance, this large, colorful book with a plethora of illustrations and maps looks most appealing, and an extensive glossary and index suggest a degree of usefulness. However, a closer look relegates it to the level of browsability. Organization indicated by section headings is deceptive. ``Exploring the Oceans'' encompasses Lindbergh's nonstop solo transatlantic flight, which, while most admirable, was not ocean exploration. This section also combines explorers with no regard to historical periods: Captain Cook (18th century) and Zheng He (15th century) are cheek by jowl with the Kon-Tiki and the aforementioned Lindbergh. Artwork has a depressing tendency to disappear into the gutter, which is especially annoying with maps. Norbert Wu's Life in the Oceans (Little, 1991) attempts to do less than this title, and succeeds. A slightly more ambitious book is Oceans (Viking, 1991) by Philip Whitfield. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Pub . Lib . , NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.