World Water Watch

This book visits six endangered sea creatures in their home waters--from Alaska to Maui, from Chile to Norway. In a moderate tone Koch warns of continuing perils (gooey oil spills drown Alaskan sea otters by matting their ``light and airy'' fur) and reports positive responses (new laws protect Mexican sea turtles and Chilean seals). These brief dips into far-flung, disparate environments, each presenting a singular challenge, introduce the magnitude of the environmental problem without overloading youngsters. With several panoramas filling practically whole spreads, Koch's watercolors exhibit a deftly variegated palette--from frigid blues to warmer greens and tans--as they evoke the distinctions of each climate. Their upbeat tone lifts the brooding refrain: ``Watch over the world / Watch over the water. / Some creatures are dying today. / Care for the earth, / Care for the sea. / So all of our friends can stay.'' An elementary text, separated from more advanced information by large bold type, helps to draw in younger readers. Ages 3-up. (Apr.)