Atlantic, by G. Brian Karas, is a colorful, fun ,and informing children’s book about the Atlantic Ocean.
Summary
This book begins by explaining that the Atlantic Ocean stretches from North America to Europe and Africa and continues to discuss its different characteristics. It goes on to explain that all the bodies of water in the world (Pacific, Arctic, Antarctic, and Indian Oceans) are all connected:
My water doesn’t stay in just one place
It travels from continent to continent
So that iceberg floating past someone’s window one day
will sometime find itself lapping at your toes on a warm, sandy beach
It also discusses the impact of the sun and the moon as well as a brief mention of the work of explorers and scientists. The last page of the book give several different facts about the Atlantic Ocean to end the story.
Curriculum Connections
The students will get an introduction into how water flows throughout the world. They will have a look at the ocean environments and what is going on within them; what effects them, what lives inside of them, where they flow, etc. (This connects to VA SOL 3.9 and can be extended to 5.6)
Additional Resources
1. This link from Science Up Close offers an interactive diagram on the water cycle that can be used in conjunction with this book.
2. This activity allows students to learn about conserving water. The students will visit different websites and learn about water conservation
3. This is a full lesson plan that works through the concept of the water cycle.
General Information
Book: Atlantic
Author: G. Brian Karas
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Publisher: Puffin
Publication Date: March 2004
Pages: 32 pages
Grade Range: 2-5
ISBN: 0142400270