From sandy beaches to mysterious, inky depths, this beautiful book is the story of ocean exploration, from shore to ocean floor. Seen from space, Earth is a swirl of blue and white. The blue is Earth's oceans, which cover 70% of its surface... yet the ocean in the most unexplored region of our planet. From Shore to Ocean Floor is the story of how humans went from building the first boats, to discovering the secrets of the deep. Marvel at incredible scientific discoveries, be dazzled by some of the most exciting new species and admire the incredible men and women who took the very first steps below the surface.
This spectacularly illustrated book comes from the author and illustrator duo of the award-winning Balloon to the Moon.
'Earth's oceans cover 70% of its surface, but they're still the most unexplored part of the planet! This beautiful book tells the story of human ocean exploration - from its sandy beaches to its dark depths - explaining what we have so far discovered and how, from sunken cities and shipwrecks to incredible creatures and more! So dive in and meet marine biologists, famous adventurers and legends of the sea!' - National Geographic Kids
Author
About Gill Arbuthnott
Gill Arbuthnott lives in Edinburgh and has been a published author since 2003. She writes fiction and non-fiction and reckons that being a children's author is probably the best job in the world. Her recent books Dark Spell, Beneath and What Makes You You? have been shortlisted for major UK book awards. A former science teacher, she loves mixing scientific fact with wonderful anecdotes of people and places.
GILL ARBUTHNOTT Q&A:
What is the maddest thing you have ever done?
Nothing very mad… I went once to buy a black kitten and came back with a deaf, one-eyed white adult cat. (It wasn’t my fault though: he chose me.) Oh, and there was the time at the fun fair when I went on a roller coaster even though I knew I hated them. It felt like the longest two minutes of my life.
Which of the mad scientists would you have liked to meet and why?
Rita Levi-Montalcini. Not only did she do important work under very difficult conditions, she lived through amazing times. She alsohad great style in the way she dressed and looked, and she was a fabulous cook. What a woman!
Which discovery would you have liked to have made?
I’d love to have been part of the discovery of the structure of DNA (the chemical that controls most of what we are). It’s so beautiful, and it unlocked so many ideas in Biology. AND I would have to go to work with some incredible people. Maybe I’ll tell you about them in another book!
What do you think is the best discovery made by a scientist?
It’s not an important discovery, but it has made a lot of people very happy… The discovery of how to make chocolate so that it starts to melt at the temperature of the human mouth!
