Flash loves learning and on this occasion the subject of his enquiries is the mysterious creatures that live in the depth of the oceans. His questions could be confusing but with Jack as his guide both Flash and the reader will find the answers make a lot of sense. Meet Flash, the captain of an alien spaceship with questions galore. Does a clown fish really wear bow ties, can you ride a sea horse and do fish really go to school? The only way for this adventurous alien to find the answers to his questions is with a visit to the beach and the help of his guide, Jack.

Follow the story with its wonderfully rhyming text and bright colourful illustration to learn more about the seaside that you may have thought possible. Flash’s questions are typical of those asked by many young children when they begin learning about any subject, what does this mean?, is a typical one. When transferred to the sea and its creatures, we begin to see why. After all what is a sea horse? Why are groups of fish known as schools? Is an oyster bed comfy? Does a starfish whizz by? The answers to these and many other questions are provided by Flash’s guide to the seaside, Jack, who explains to both Flash and the reader the facts behind the strange names and words used.

 This book is an excellent introduction to the seaside for young readers and could be used as a classroom resource at Key Stage 1, for children in Reception and Year 1. It is also a great book for young readers to enjoy independently for they will come away with a wealth of new facts with which to wow any audience willing to listen! In order to ensure that there is not more confusion resulting from the explanations provided a glossary of fishy facts is included at the end of the story.

As well as the fun and rhyming text the story is made approachable through the use of bright and bold illustration, filling the pages with underwater scenes of wonder. This story is a fabulous introduction to the mysteries of the deep, told in an imaginative way it will have children learning and laughing at the same time.

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2008-08-06