From revered nature writer Brenda Peterson and told through striking
and vibrant mixed-media collages by Caldecott Medalist Ed Young,
Catastrophe by the Sea is a poignant story of redemption through
empathy and compassion found in the most surprising places, and also
provides a rich understanding of small creatures that live in a
dangerous tidal zone.
A lost cat roams the tide pools, pawing relentlessly at the small
creatures that live there. One day an anemone confronts him and asks why
he is alone and befriends him. In partnership with the Seattle Aquarium,
Catastrophe by the Sea delivers a powerful message of finding
understanding and friendship, and at the same time educates on the
varied wildlife brimming in tide pools.
"For several years, the Seattle Aquarium has studied the role of empathy
in promoting conservation. Empathy is the ability to perceive,
understand and care about the experiences or perspectives of another
person or animal. We most often feel empathy for other people, but we
can also feel empathy for animals. This led us to the idea of a
children's book. Animals are regular protagonists in children's books,
but these characters are primarily vertebrates and often charismatic
mammals. Could we create a book that would allow kids and their
caregivers to empathize with strange and exotic marine animals, like sea
anemones or barnacles? We hope this book strikes a chord with audiences
and fosters empathy for animals less like us." --Jim Wharton, director
of conservation engagement and learning at the Seattle Aquarium
