Picture Book (Science): Star of the Sea (Janet Halfmann)

Summary of Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish (by Janet Halfmann):

Beginning on a starry night, an ochre sea star clings to a rock under the crashing waves.   When it is high tide, it moves along the ocean floor, avoiding predators.  On the shore, it inches along by twisting its body like a pretzel onto the shore to hunt.  Coming upon a mussel bed, it hunches over one and grips it with its strong feet.  A tug-a-war between them ensues until the sea star successfully cracks and feeds off it, in a most unusual and fascinating manner.  Follow this amazing sea creature as it fights its way back to the ocean before the tide recedes while protecting itself from predators. 

Evaluation: 

Author Janet Halfmann, along with illustrator Joan Paley, has created a superb picture book. The well-written text captures the magnificent sea star beautifully.  I found myself completely captivate by the story.  Hand-painted papers in watercolor blends are used to create a textured and enchanting vision of the ocean and the life of the sea star.  I recommend Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish for ages 4-10.   This book is ideal for leisure reading or as part of an ocean unit.  For more ocean related activities, see my Pinterest Teaching Activities Ocean Unit folder. 

This post is linked up with Read Aloud Thursday hosted by Hope is a Word.