“I am your sun, your golden star. All ocean life depends on me …” As they did in Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life (Blue Sky Press / Scholastic, 2009), Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm collaborate on another lyrical and informative picture book, this time about the importance of sunlight to the chain of life beneath the sea. Phytoplankton—the microscopic plants that form “the great invisible pasture of the sea”—and other ocean plant life rely on the light of the sun and nutrients to survive. But even in the darkest part of the ocean, far from its reach, the sun still plays an important role. “My light helps drive enormous currents. They thrust the deep sea waters, rich with nutrients and carbon dioxide, up” so the phytoplankton can reproduce. Thumbnails of Molly Bang’s gorgeous stylized illustrations accompany end notes that provide more information on the science of the sea. (Ages 7–11)

Acclaimed Caldecott artist Molly Bang and award-winning scientist Penny Chisholm present a stunning, sweeping view of our ever-changing oceans.

In this timely book, acclaimed Caldecott artist Molly Bang and award-winning M.I.T. professor Penny Chisholm use poetic language and dazzling illustrations to introduce the oceanic world. From tiny aquatic plants to the biggest whale or fish, Bang and Chisholm present a moving, living picture of the miraculous balance sustaining each life cycle and food chain deep within our wondrous oceans. On land or in the deep blue sea, we are all connected--and we are all a part of a grand living landscape. Award-winning scientist Penny Chisholm, a leading expert on oceans, packs Ocean Sunlight with clear, simple science, illuminated by Molly Bang's wondrous illustrations. This informative, joyous book will help children understand and celebrate the astonishing role our oceans play in human life.