I enjoyed the book Over in the Ocean- In a Coral Reef written by Marianne Berkers for many reasons. The illustrations were my favorite part of the story because they helped the reader really visualize what the text is describing. The illustrator also made these pictures in a very different texture and style, the images seemed to be popping out at the reader. The illustrations also depicted the sea creatures portrayed accurately. For instance when the text described clownfish the illustrations pictured what an actual clownfish looks like with their orange, white, and black stripes. I also enjoyed how the text introduced two different concepts of counting numbers and rhyming in a creative way. For example, “Over in the ocean where the sea grasses grew lived a mother parrotfish and her parrotfish two.” This was a counting book that actually kept me wanting to read the rest of the story, even though I was not the ended audience. This is because of the creative rhyming and illustrations the author and illustrator combined. ( )

So many interesting facts about fish in this counting book! It's magically illustrated as well. ( )

Would have given a higher rating had the score been based on the illustrations alone. They are all done of polymer clay and the book shows how it was done in the back. ( )

A counting book that starts by introducing different sea animals in amounts from 1 to 10. ( )

I bought a boardbook version of the companion book, Over in the Jungle, for our library but never had time to examine it thoroughly.

Well! The text is a version of "Over in the Meadow" using a variety of different sea creatures, from stingrays to needlefish. The rhymes are steady and readable. I've never managed to get kids to listen to Over in the Meadow in book or song form, but I think I might have a chance with this intriguing book, because....

The art is gorgeous. Created out of polymer clay by Jeanette Canyon, there are exquisite patterns and designs included in every different creature and background. From a distance, the pictures blend into colorful and cheering art, while a closer examination shows the intricate detail. I particularly like the millefiori-type work on the seahorses.

There is additional material explaining more about the different sea creatures pictured in the book and coral reefs in general. The author has included a section on using the book in storytimes, with specific actions for the rhymes, and the artist talks about how she creates her clay art.

Verdict: An excellent book for ocean storytimes or a clay craft program. Children who like to trace details in illustrations will also enjoy this.

ISBN: 978-1584690627; Published September 2004 by Dawn Publications; Review copy provided by author/publisher and added to the professional collection for use in programs