Marcie Flinchum Atkins (Children's Literature)
The reader visits a tide pool filled with different kinds of sea animals. You can gain a closer look at the way a tide pool functions. From the time the tide comes in, you meet different animals that make their home in the tide pool. Each animal has its own unique characteristics and its own unique needs. While the animals are illustrated beautifully, the author points out that this is still a place where animals live and their needs must be met. Some animals eat one another. Some animals, like the hermit crab, will take over an empty shell of an animal that has been eaten. Even the algae on the rocks play an important role in the lives of the animals in the tide pool. This book takes a small slice of ocean life and gives the reader a sample of what it might be like to look in a tide pool. While it presents the story of the tide pool in a lyrical way of a picture book, reading this book is a great way to introduce ocean habitats and food chains to children. The author points out that tide pools are not all the same. Tide pools can be different all over the world, but she provides a closer look at one particular tide pool and how the animals in it interact. Recommended for classrooms and libraries. 2004, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8.

Corinne H. Smith (Library Media Connection, January 2005)
Here are two worthy additions for the elementary nature shelves. One Small Place by the Sea focuses on the living dynamics of a tide pool, describing its plants and animals. Mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and anemones feast when incoming seawater brings a fresh plankton supply. A hermit crab adopts an empty shell, while other invertebrates feed on algae. One Small Place in a Tree traces events that create a substantial hole in a tree trunk: from a bear sharpening its claws on the bark, to the insects that infest the area, to the birds that eat them. The activity eventually results in an opening large enough to hold nests for small creatures like birds or mice. When the tree eventually dies and falls, it provides food and shelter for even more organisms. Tom Leonard's colorful illustrations lend realistic views that work well with Barbara Brenner's text. Both books make good read-aloud story- hour selections, and both will inspire young explorers to be more observant and to look for such tiny habitats for themselves. Perhaps Brenner and Leonard will find more small and interesting places to share with readers in the future. Recommended. 2004, HarperCollins, 32pp. ea., $16.89 ea. lb. Ages 6 to 10.

William R. Zeitler (Science Books and Films (Vol. 40, No. 4))
Although a tide pool may be characterized as one small place by the sea, it is in reality a place where many secrets of nature lie hidden; constant change is evident, yet the pool remains ever the same. Looking closely at the pool, an observer is likely to find living organisms without number, plants making their own food, animals carrying their houses with them on their backs, animals with featherlike legs, and fish that live in water and on dry land. Following some introductory information, readers are directed to imagine what the pool is really like. Continuing through the book, readers find a description of the cycle of excitement among occupants of the pool at high tide. Interactions among occupants of the pool and the development of an ongoing food chain are discussed. As water rushes in, food is deposited and animals become active, eating both the deposited food as well as each other. Interesting aspects of this discussion are the structures and techniques animals use to obtain food. The contents of the book are well organized, current, and accurate. The content is well illustrated, with colored pictures of the organisms, as well as many of their life habits, discussed. The book appears to be focused on grades 3 and 4; however, the pictures would be of interest to younger children as well. The book also would be a valuable reference for older students studying oceans and shorelines. C.I.P. Highly Recommended, Grades 3-4. 2004, HarperCollins, 32pp., $15.99. Ages 8 to 10.

Marita Richards (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 17, No. 4))
Written in lyrical prose, noted children’s author Barbara Brenner shares an informative introduction about the uniqueness of tide pools for inquisitive young readers. The animals and plants of a tide pool and the sequence of events that occur with the rising and falling of the tide are described in words and pictures. These full color, detailed illustrations enhance the prose and will intrigue young children. Upon completion of reading this book, a visit to the seaside will be necessary! Nonfiction (577.69). Grades K-3. 2004, HarperCollins, Unpaged., $16.89. Ages 5 to 9.