Lovely writing and finely detailed illustrations distinguish this picture book biography of oceanographer Sylvia Earle, whose fascination with nature and fearlessness defined her from childhood. As an adult, “Sylvia never stopped trying to dive deeper and see more.” That included living underwater for two weeks in 1970, an experience that left her “changed forever,” and diving deeper than anyone had before when she walked 1,250 feet below the surface among the coral reefs of Hawaii. “Every spoonful of water in the deep ocean, Sylvia says, is brimming with extraordinary forms of life.” An author’s note provides more information about Sylvia Earle, including her work developing better ways to explore the deep sea, and about threats to the health of the earth’s oceans. (Ages 6–9)

Sylvia Earle first lost her heart to the ocean as a young girl when she discovered the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico in her backyard. As an adult, she dives even deeper. Whether she's designing submersibles, swimming with the whales, or taking deep-water walks, Sylvia Earle has dedicated her life to learning more about what she calls "the blue heart of the planet." With stunningly detailed pictures of the wonders of the sea, Life in the Ocean tells the story of Sylvia's growing passion and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around the world. This picture book biography also includes an informative author's note that will motivate young environmentalists.

Life in the Ocean is one of The Washington Post's Best Kids Books of 2012