About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
When storms roar and orcas are on the prowl, it's the seal gardens of the Great Bear Sea that provide safety and shelter.
Ian McAllister's glorious photographs reveal the beauty and mystery of this rarely seen place of refuge for sea lions, otters, a variety of seals and other sea mammals. This is the third title in the My Great Bear Rainforest series.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 3 to 5
- Grade:
- p to k
- Reading age:
- 3 to 5
Awards
- Short-listed, Animal Behavior Society Outstanding Children’s Book Award
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
Editorial Reviews
"The concept of a seal garden will be new to most viewers, and the illustrations will intrigue children and adults alike. McAllister's handsome photos, particularly those taken underwater, offer some unusual and almost otherworldly effects of light and color. An intriguing addition to the My Great Bear Rainforest series, which includes Wolf Island and A Bear's Life."
— Booklist
"Playful images of seals abound. Even the coral, kelp, and stones are shot with care…McAllister and Read's love for the wildlife of the Great Bear Rainforest is evident in their respect for their subjects. Recommended for nature lovers and those that need encouragement to dip their toes into nonfiction."
— School Library Journal
"As with Wolf Island and A Bear's Life the bold layout of beautiful wildlife photography combined with adroit text gives the reader a glimpse into a magical world that inspires a sense of wonder. The writing skillfully incorporates facts with a story that promotes understanding of nature. This book is highly recommended for school and public libraries. It would be an appropriate gift for any child. Children are curious about nature and love a good story. The Seal Garden provides for both."
— Resource Links
"This information book reads like a story for young readers while also teaching about this beautiful environment. It will make a great addition to your nonfiction collection for early to middle graders."
— Sal's Fiction Addiction blog
"The stunning photography makes one feel as if they are there with the animals under and above the sea…This is an excellent choice for grades 2-4 doing projects on sea mammals. The photography is enough to interest any curious child in the story."
— Youth Services Book Review
The expert photography in these books is the perfect medium to tell the stories of survival in this unique wild place…The books in the 'My Great Bear Rainforest' series can effectively be shared with younger listeners who will find the photos captivating and whose curiosity will be aroused by the infrequently seen settings. Highly Recommended.
— CM Magazine
"This third title in the My Great Bear Rainforest series features striking underwater photographs of seals, sea lions, and otters…McAllister's photos of seals peering above the waterline and sea lions lounging on rocks are equally compelling. Read builds a sense of the lurking dangers awaiting seals outside the garden and concludes by evoking a sense of the broader ecosystem that the series explores."
— Publishers Weekly
"The photographs of marine animals such as harbor seals, elephant seals, sea lions, otters, and fish are exquisite. Recommended."
— School Library Connection
"This book has really great pictures and will be interesting for readers to learn about a different part of the world, especially one under water…A worthwhile read for younger children."
— Kiss the Book blog
“Striking photographs…Dazzling.”
— The Horn Book Online
"Striking images, both above and under the water, show wide-eyed seals and the larger sea lions…An attractive addition to settings where Wolf Island and A Bear's Life have been popular."
— Kirkus Reviews
