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Ryan, Pam Munoz. Hello Ocean. Talewinds: A Charlesbridge Imprint. Watertown, MA.2001 ISBN 0-88106-987-6

Summary: A child uses her five senses to describe her experiences at the beach.

Readability Level: End of year 3rd grade

Review: Hello Ocean is written in a beautiful rhythmic text. The child in the story uses her five senses to describe the ocean. Each descriptive piece creates a visual picture in the reader's mind. The author helps the reader discover an ocean of treasures as well as tune into their own senses. The incredible illustrations are done by Mark Astrella.

Teaching Possibilities: Integrate this book with science lessons on the five senses and the ocean. The sensory images in this book allow for a deep study of using your five senses in writing in order to create stronger word choice. The rhythm of the text is a great model for sentence fluency. Readers can visualize the images in their minds and make text-to-self connections involving their own experiences at the ocean (or in the mountains, by the lake...).

Visit the Author's Website: Pam Munoz Ryan