Guide to the Oceans »

Dr. John Pernetta is Project Director with the United Nations Environment Programme.

Illustrated guide to the features of oceans and seas, including an encyclopedia of marine life.

Katherine Gillen - KLIATT

With a title of "Guide to the Oceans" one might expect an extensive text on oceanography or a series of thorough chapters covering each of the oceans. This title is less than that, but more than an entry in a "Dummies' Guide to . . . " series. The book is divided into sections (The Oceans, Exploration, Ocean Leisure, Ocean Life, Ocean Resources, Ocean Atlas, Marine Life) rather than chapters and within these sections are brief overviews of everything from plankton to yachting. The text itself is readable, with the jargon explained simply. There are photographs, maps, graphs or illustrations on every page, so the visual element is important. As a quick and easy reference source at home or in a school or public library, Firefly Guide to the Oceans should find use. Author Dr. John Pernetta is Project Director for the Global Environment Facility of the United Nations Environment Programme. He is also the author of Philips Atlas of the Oceans. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004, Firefly, 240p. illus. maps. index., Ages 15 to adult.