This book, with its lively, colorful format, is packed with far more than one hundred facts about the amazing world of coral reefs. Why are they called the rainforests of the seas? Do we really know how many creatures live in or on coral reefs? Are coral reefs busier during the daytime or at night? How are coral reefs made? Are they really in trouble as scientists say? This book is the kind of read that young readers can dive into again and again and learn something new every time. For instance, coral reefs have different zones. Closest to shore are the reef flats and, since this area is pounded with waves, the reefs are sparse. Farther out, the back reef fares better and the reefs that face the waves are in deeper flourish, with sea fans, lettuce and star coral. Plus they are visited by sharks, butterfly fish and barracudas. The book also introduces the young reader to ancient reefs, as well as cold water coral plus Australia's Great Barrier Reef, something no book about corals would be without. Also featured are the many diverse and beautiful critters that live in coral reefs. The illustrations are lush, whether showing the inside of a coral polyp or a close-up of zooplankton. Especially intriguing are the boxes featuring a quiz or extra information on each page. The book includes an index. Reviewer: Judy Crowder
