This picture book, a splendid celebration of the ocean, is a stunning combination of scientific fact, poetry, and artistic talent. Photographic clarity, brilliant colors, and detail born of familiarity with the ocean characterize Astrella's acrylic paintings, which build on the rhythms and energy of Ryan's expressive rhymes. A young girl relates her experiences at the beach to her five senses. Through her perspective, the briny milieu will become real--even to children who have never paid a visit to the sea: "I see the ocean, gray, green blue, a chameleon always changing hue....I hear the ocean, a lion's roar, crashing rumors toward the shore....I touch the ocean and the surf gives chase, then wraps me in a wet embrace....Sandy grains in a salty drink are best for fish and whales, I think." The girl's stay at the beach comes to an end on the book's final page. Other little ones are more fortunate. They can flip back to the beginning of the book and experience the beauty and mystery of the ocean all over again.

"Hello, ocean, my old friend. I'm here, with the five of me, again!" With lyrical text and bright, clear pictures, a little girl explores the treasures of the ocean through her five senses. Beautiful, photo-realistic art marks this successful mixture of scientific fact and poetry.

Large, vibrant paintings that are almost photographic depict a young girl exploring the beach with all five senses. The text is brief and poetic and "sense" words are bolded. This book can be used to discuss the beach, explore vocabulary, and inspire writing exercises with children.