Hello, Ocean

Hello, Ocean 

by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Charlesbridge, 2001

Hello, Ocean is a beautifully written book by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Ryan describes the ocean in intricate detail, while still using common words that children will recognize. This book goes through all of your senses and how you perceive the ocean through each of them. It is detailed and beautifully illustrated. I think it is a great book to use for a read aloud, especially during the seasons. It is the perfect book to read about summer, as many children have visited the beach. You can discuss the difference between the beach that you visit on the ocean, or if you go to a place where there is a lake or river and thus the difference.

I enjoyed this book because Ryan not only describes a place that I love, but she really makes you believe that you are there. If this were read aloud to me,  I would want to close my eyes and picture actually being at the beach. This is one of the reasons why I think it would be great for a read aloud. By incorporating the five senses, you can almost taste, feel, hear, see and smell the salt water.