This book is a must for every classroom library. Whether you are situated along the Wild Atlantic Way, as we are, or in landlocked Laois, this beautifully illustrated book is a treasure trove of information for every child and every classroom.
Illustrated in a child-friendly, accessible manner by the wonderful Sligo-based illustrator Linda Farhlin, her beautiful illustrations complement the fabulous facts compiled by the author, Lucy Taylor. Each double page spread contains a title, clearly laid out facts which are enhanced by the apt illustrations.
The book starts by asking and answering the question, ‘What is the seashore?’ and leads us on a journey through tides, habitats, plants, birds, seaweed, fish and plankton amongst others. Facts are presented, explained and clearly visible in the colourful illustrations. A particular favourite of mine is the section about sea squirts and sponges. White print on a blue background emulates the sea itself and the clear illustrations bring the facts to life.
Equally as colourfully presented is the section on starfish and urchins. The choice of a black background interspersed with a marine blue allows the facts and the illustrations to really stand out and yet again, draw the reader in to the magical marine environment. Choosing to present the sections on anemones, plankton and jellyfish on similarly colourful backgrounds allow the facts and sea creatures to come to life on the pages of the book.
Situated as our school is on the Atlantic coast and with numerous beaches accessible in close proximity to us, this book provides us with inspiration to engage in some beachcombing and scavenging, while simultaneously providing all the necessary knowledge to catalogue any beach finds.
This beautiful book can be used in numerous ways- for research and project work, or in preparation for a trip to the beach, or simply to learn about the seashore as an Irish habitat. It lends itself to be read from cover to cover, or to simply dip in, open a section, read, become immersed in and be inspired by.
The ‘Time to Explore’ section at the very back of the book provides an extensive list which will encourage any budding seashore safari enthusiasts to explore the seashore and compile a list of their beachcombing treasures. The list is comprehensively and clearly laid out in 18 different sections. Each section has a list of items included, for example the ‘Crabs and Shrimps’ list include lobster, shrimp, prawn and hermit crab for collection.
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of the Irish Seashore, written by Lucy Taylor and illustrated by Linda Farlin deserves a place in every Irish classroom as a reference book, a beautifully illustrated factual book and as art inspiration for Visual Arts lessons!
By Karen Brogan, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.
“The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Irish Seashore” by Lucy Taylor, illustrated by Linda Fahrlin, published by Gill Books, is on sale now for €22.99 (H/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, Gill Books, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
