Overall, Meadows of the Sea: The Wonders of Seagrass by Michelle Schaub is a good story about the ocean with the metaphor of showing how it is like a meadow. This idea makes something that seems unfamiliar and even alien, take on a form that we know and can understand. The poetic nature of the first part (the story) is reminiscent of the ocean flow itself. The fact that the second part (actual factual information) is added on the page allows the book to grow with the child, making it for all ages. The extras included are another way to give more information and allow things to be “physically” seen (photographs versus the drawn images) especially if you are unable to visit an ocean. The only issue I have is that at the end the point is seemingly forced and it loses the rhythm of the rest of the story.
The images (both drawn and photographs) allow the viewer or reader to see what is happening on the level they are. The illustrations are easy to understand, minimal details and introduce you to the information that is being presented. It is not overwhelmingly WOW or too much to take in, but it is not skimping on anything either. I don’t want to say basic, but they are not immense and just are what they are.
But overall this book is a nice addition to a collection of books that include ocean facts, nature, or even a bit of poetry. If you like these themes, you will have to wait until mid-April 2026 for purchase, unless you are able to find an online reader copy like I was.