An A-Z of Ocean Creatures

An A-Z of Ocean Creatures

Myke Mollard

Woodslane Press, 2025

48pp., hbk., RRP $A29.99

9781923350038

If you look at a globe of our planet, it looks like there is more land than ocean, when, in fact, over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by seas and oceans and from space it looks like a big “blue marble.” However, if you view it through “a whale’s eye view” offered by the Spilhaus Projection with Antarctica at its centre and which takes up this book’s endpapers, it is clear that these oceans and seas are interconnected, forming just one mass of water.  

The Spilhaus Projection- Seattle Aquarium

Within that, are an estimated 2.2 million marine species, with only about 242,000 to 243,000 described so far., and if those over 600 – including majestic sharks and colourful fish and corals to fascinating molluscs like octopuses and nudibranchs, as well as crustaceans, reptiles, birds and the awe-inspiring whales and dolphins –   are showcased in this new release from Myke Mollard and Woodslane Press.   With his characteristic, vibrant illustrative style, Mollard has selected and sorted these creatures by alphabetical order, depicting them with anatomical accuracy on large, double-page spreads, and then meticulously identifying each in vignettes in the closing pages so young readers can dip and delve and discover more if they choose. 

A peek inside…

Search this blog for “Mollard” and you will discover many more of the remarkable works of this man who is driven by his passion for connecting kids to Nature, and you will realise that, as with its predecessors, this one truly hits that mark.  And although many of those species that are featured in this book may not be those children are likely to encounter on their beach holiday, nevertheless there are some just waiting to be discovered, identified and serve as inspiration to know more.  This takes Finding Nemo to a whole new level of exploration – especially through the 591.77 section of the collection. .