Book review: 'Extreme Ocean' is one of National Geographic Kids's best releases of 2020

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For the past several months, we've been studying Marine Biology. While we follow the lessons in the manual, we also watch ocean-themed movies via CuriosityStream, read tons of books related to the ocean and Marine Biology, and do fun experiments. So, when I was asked if I was interested in reviewing National Geographic Kids' Extreme Ocean, I knew it could be a great book to add to my children's education.

And it is!

This book has quickly become one of my favorites ever reviewed for Nat Geo Kids. And it's all because of the writing. Author Syliva A. Earle is a tremendously talented writer (and also recipient of many awards) who does a fantastic job using words to describe what she's experienced in the ocean all while helping readers feel like they're encapsulated within its depths with her. Her writing is so good I often had to remind myself to look at the accompanying photos, her words had drawn me in so completely.

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Earle's writing style is a great one for kids. She writes at their level, but without coming across like she's talking down to them or over-simplifying things. Reading about her years of ocean experiences is absolutely fascinating.

Now, let's talk a bit about what Extreme Ocean entails. Consisting of five chapters, this book covers the power of the ocean, what lives in the ocean, exploration of the ocean, and, of course, the ecological danger it is currently facing.

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Did you know that Humpback Whales have distinctive talks? Yeah, the backside of these whales' tales is as unique as our fingerprints. Crazy, right?

Among other experiences, Earle writes about holding a dying crab, smothered in oil, in her hands, being encased in a metal JIM deep-sea dive suit, and testing a robot in Lake Tahoe. Reading about all her travels and studies is truly interesting and educational.

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Extreme Ocean has experiment ideas, fun facts, timelines, discoveries, and, naturally, amazing photographs. This book has been a great one for not only my kids, buy myself as well.

Extreme Ocean has nothing offensive in it and does an incredible job making learning fun.

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Review breakdown:
111 pages
Full color photographs and illustrations
Best for ages: 10 through adult
Educational factor: high
Moral content: Respect for the Earth and its creatures are highly regarded
Parents could be concerned about: Nothing.