The Secret World of Seahorses

Vibrant mixed-media artwork and science-led storytelling introduce sea horses and the environmental pressures they face in this matter-of-fact tribute from Davies and Baker-Smith. Polished text foregrounds unique characteristics, marveling at how the animals survive by camouflaging and staying “very, very still. Only their eyes move.” After establishing the subjects’ diminutive size and propensity for hiding, the book’s focus shifts to challenges based in human-driven destruction, zeroing in on how and why it’s so hard to spot the species in their natural environment (“Seahorses are hard to see because humans have taken so many of them from the oceans”). Rendering the multicolored seahorses with detail, mixed-media paintings mingle stamp-like textures and sun-print-reminiscent botanical silhouettes. The bracing portrait that emerges successfully rallies readers in support of seahorses. Human figures are portrayed with various skin tones. Back matter discusses seahorses and climate change. Ages 5–9. (May)