Ocean Sunlight

Picture book
Bravo! In Ocean Sunlight: How Tiny Plants Feed The Seas writer/
illustrator, Molly Bang, and college professor, Penny Chisholm do what
they did for photosynthesis (Living Sunlight, 2009) and Bang did for
electricity (My Light, 2004). They take a complex topic, the ocean
food chain, and through poetic language and dazzling illustrations,
illuminate it for young readers.
The book's narrator is none other than the Sun. We are told
that the ocean food chain starts with solar light reaching plants. We
are swept from the shoreline to the ocean's surface and down to the
abysmal depths. The pictures are amazing--especially those of the
phytoplankton and luminescent deep sea creatures. Six pictures at the
end give more in depth information.
At the end of the book the authors answer the question: why
should we care so much about understanding our oceans? Humans are
changing the oceans, on which our lives depend. In order to make good
stewardship of this vital resource, we need to understand its most
fundamental dynamics. They hope their writing will inspire readers to
learn more about the subject.
I do too!
On a personal note, we had the RSU 26 Board of Directors yearbook
picture taken for the last time. Next time this time we will have
reverted back to three isolated one town school units. It's so not
fair!!!
A great big shout out goes out to my Glenburn and Orono colleagues who
I will miss working with so much! Just the thought of this upcoming
loss brings tears to my eyes.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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