Dive into the Incredible World of Ocean Animals

Our oceans are like nothing else – literally. Earth is the only planet known to have liquid water on its surface, and around 71 per cent of the planet is covered by oceans.

It’s little wonder then that the ocean is also home to some of the world’s most awesome animals. They come in every size, colour and shape imaginable, and are some of the weirdest, sneakiest and most talented animals on the planet!

Blake Chapman has a PhD in marine science, and has previously authored Shark Attacks: Myths, Misunderstandings and Human Fear, and is also the Sharks Editor-at-Large for Australian Geographic (external link).

She also has a passion for promoting conservation through education, AND loves all things wacky and wild! That’s why in her first book for kids she decided to deep dive into the fascinating topic of marine life, in Ocean Animals: The Weirdest, Smartest and Sneakiest Sea Creatures.

But with so many amazing animals found in our oceans, how did she choose which species to feature?

In Ocean Animals Blake focusses on the species with skills and talents that make them extra-incredible. Animals that are masters of defence like the pufferfish, or those that use high speeds to eat or avoid being eaten like penguins and flying fish. And other animals that use their size as an advantage, both the big and the small. You’ll be amazed at some of the fantastical creatures to discover.

The distinctive head shape of hammerhead sharks (photo: Simon J Pierce)

Spanish dancers are mesmerising and colourful sea slugs (photo: Denice Askebrink)

A magnificent manatee (photo: Simon J Pierce)

Sea lamprey: nightmare or nightmarishly cool? (photo: T. Lawrence, Great Lakes Fishery Commission)

Some clever camouflage from this stonefish (photo: Blake Chapman)

Sawfish: saw in front, fish in the back! (photo: David Clode)

The exciting thing about the ocean is that it is believed that less than 20 per cent has been explored. So our knowledge of the marine world is so incomplete that we don’t know if there are one million marine animal species, or ten million species. This means there is just so much more to discover!

Ocean Animals is full of fun facts, ‘sea-lebrity’ species profiles and amazing pictures. Importantly you will also learn about issues threatening marine life and tips on how help to protect our amazing ocean environments.

The book can be purchased from our website or through your local bookstore. Teacher Notes are also available to download free from our website.

Take the plunge, we think you’ll enjoy the dip!