Listen to a real cool person tell you all the best parts of a great adventure.
Sharon is my mom, and a very interessstttting person. Dad is a great guy and our favorite curmudgeon.
This book started out as a handwritten journal, mailed home from some really far out places around the world. It is now a well-polished book full of laugh-out-loud silliness and high adventure.
My favorite story is about the raft of "refugees" on the Indian Ocean. Read this book and see if you agree. :)

"The Oceans are Waiting" by Sharon Ragle was a delightful surprise. It is an enchanting love story and a bold adventure. Mrs. Ragle has wonderful style and I will recommend the book to all my friends, including the Land Lubbers!
Great Book Sharon!

Simply Delightfull

This is the remarkable story of Dr. Paul Scully-Power, who became the first Australian-born person to fly into space in October 1984. A brilliant student and accomplished athelete during his formative years, he went on to become the first oceanographer to view the world's oceans from the best vantage point of all- Earth orbit. As a youth with a passion for riding his surf board at Sydney's northern beaches, he managed to combine a love of the ocean with his academic studies. This led him on the path to oceanography. Later he went to the United States on a Navy exchange program, where he briefed and debriefed NASA's astronaut crews on what to look for and photograph as they circled the oceans. He continued to be involved in briefing space shuttle crews for many years afterwards. Through a series of circumstances Paul Scully-Power was chosen to fly into space aboard the Shuttle Challenger. He describes the many sights he saw from space, particularly Australia- the land of his birth. Author Colin Burgess's enduring interest in spaceflight history was kindled by the dramatic flight of John Glenn in 1962, and he is a noted and regular contributor to spaceflight magazines. His friendship with Paul Scully-Power began in 1985 when he asked him to pen a suitable foreword for his children's book, 'Space: The New Frontier'. He has authored an impressive variety of books on topics ranging from humorous anecdotes of flying for Quantas Airways through to best-selling books on the Australian prisoner-of-war experience. Join the first Australian-born astronaut on his incredible journey of discovery, and learn how his space flight has changed forever the way scientists regard our oceans- knowledge which should lead to more accurate weather forecasting.

I cannot recommend this book more highly. Colin Burgess has previously written some excellent books on World War Two prisoners of war, and books of aviation humor, and here he writes with great flair on another subject- the first person born in Australia to journey into space. This book offers a fascinating insight into how someone born outside of the USA and Russia managed to make an incredible journey into orbit and study the oceans from above. However, I believe that this book will not only appeal to those interested in astronauts and Australian space achievements- the book also contains a wealth of breathtaking photos taken from orbit, guaranteed to inspire awe in even the most hardened reader. This book will be of immense interest to both adult readers and younger readers who wish to learn about the wonders of spaceflight. It makes a great companion piece to Burgess's fabulous book about Christa McAuliffe. I can't imagine my bookshelf without it, and would urge you to buy a copy if you can.

Anyone with an appreciation for American history or an interest in the age of sail will love this book. The author clearly has a great command of the history of early 19th century Baltimore and the book packs the same kind of pop that I enjoyed in classics like Treasure Island. I particularly enjoyed the religious undertones. In a world where books with dark themes and moral gray-areas are a dime-a-dozen, The Powder Monkey is a welcome change of pace. I highly recommend it.

Georg Galloway's The Powder Monkey is an engaging and entertaining seafaring historical novel set during the War of 1812. The story is one of a young man who ventures forth to search for his father -- and for the meaning of the code of Aquinas. The Powder Monkey is filled with romance, mystery, and high seas adventure; it is a quest within the heart as well as among the waves. Georg Galloway is an undeniably talented author who has written an unforgettable tale of adventure.

Without a doubt, the funniest taxonomic work on Ichthyology you will ever come across- and extremely and extensively informative to boot. Even the preface is a delight to read, where Love discusses the intelligence of fish (stupider than the stupidest mouse to ever live), if fish sleep, how their names relate to Communism, if they will harm us emotionally, and Love's relative intelligence when compared to other marine biologists. Then he goes through, fish by fish, all the main species off the Pacific Coast, from BC to SoCal. (If you're looking for fish from the Gulf of Alaska, you will be disappointed.) He begins with Myxini and Petromyzone, moves to Chondrichthyes, and then onto Osteichthyes. (Hagfish, Lampreys, Sharks and Rays, and Bony Fish- for fish are actually four different creatures, as separate from each other as Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals are from each other.) Each section looks at the identifying characteristics, distribution, anatomy, commercial fishery, and extra tidbits, still with that trademark humor. And then there's a bit of the parasitic at the tail end of the book. Perhaps my favorite line: 'Your average hagfish can take a bucket full of water and almost solidify it with slime in a few minutes. (I don't know about you, but that makes me proud to be American.)'

If you have any interest at all in the fishes of the Pacific Coast, this is THE book. I recommend it to the students in my Marine Biology class as one of the most accurate and fun (!) works they will find. The information is up there with the classics by David Starr Jordan, whose books are now collectables. Dr. Love, who is legendary in the world of Fisheries for his research and publications, has added his distinct sense of humor to the usually dry descriptions of fishes. If you are interested in Marine Biology of Fishes you need this book.

This is currently my 3 yr old's favourite book. She can spend hours and hours with it. There is lots to see and do in this book. Sometimes we sit and go through everything, but usually we will pick one topic to focus on. As an avid swimmer, she also really enjoys the under-the-sea theme. For our next big car trip, I'm going to stock up on a few more Puzzle titles!

Like all of the books in the "Puzzle" series this book on its first reading kept my children (6 and 4 years) occupied for an age. However what sets these books apart from other "look and find" puzzle books is their ability to be re-read again and again. Even though both my children know all the answers and where the "hidden" objects are, these books are read at several times a week at least!

What is especially nice about this book is that the main characters of the story are two females, a young girl and a mermaid. It is not suprising that this is my daughter's favourite book of the series.

I recently read Mr. Wells' book retelling his experiences in the Pacific during WWII. I was very impressed with his story telling ability and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I have known Mr. Wells most of my life and had no idea that he had been, seen and done the things that he described. This book makes you realize just how great the heroes of WWII are, and how everyday "Joes" rose to the occasion that was presented by just being there. They made us all proud of their tencaity, grit and courage. I am an avid reader and highly recommend this book. I read it on a cross country airline flight..I just couldn't put it down. What a wonderful reading experience.

Art Wells, a Marine on the USS Pennsylvania on December 7, 1941 relates his experiences on that day and during the rest of the Pacific War in "The Quack Corps." Included are Mr. Wells Pearl Harbor experience, where he was wounded, his time on the Pennsylvania after her repair, time on the USS New Mexico and the time he spent with DUKW's in the invasions of Saipan and Okinawa. An extremely interesting and informative book, one that is not to be missed!

After his sailing from South America to Easter Island Thor has decided (after his visit to the pyramids in Egypt, where he saw the papyrus boats and after he saw that there were some Egyptian coins and pottery in South America) to make a papyrus boat and sail over Atlantic. He first employed two workers from Chad, where they were seen to make papyrus boats for lakes. They have sailed from egypt but the boat didn't manage to reach the American coast due to construction failure (as it was seen later, the boat was too heavy and they forgot to include the binding rope). Second attempt was made afterwards, this time the builders were Indians and they have constructed lighter boat. This one lasted till they reached American shore and has proven the theory that if Pharaoh has ordered to sail to America, the task could be achieved thanks to knowledge of ocean streams (and they had that knowledge for sure). We won't deprive Columbus for his "discovery" of America for quite some time. After all, he was the first after many years who sailed there where almost forgotten kings once made trade, allies and foes. we are slightly realizing that our ancestors weren't so barbaric and stupid as we thought of them, they were in some views even some steps ahead of us. Can we accept this fact or not?

Forget the sea crossing! This book is a humdinger just for its descriptions of secluded societies in Africa. Islands that move, secluded monasteries, this book has it all. The account of the crossing is great, but doesn't quite live up to Kon-Tiki. Heyerdahl's style has improved a lot, and this book never slows down. I didn't think this book would be funny, but the boatmakers are a hernia waiting to happen. Great Stuff. Jeremy Swanson

I have always enjoyed Lassen's art and was so pleased to find this book. I bought it for our 4 month old daughter because I thought she would love the sparkles and glitter - plus the story is cute as well. I'm going to buy several of these for gifts for my friends with babies. Adorable!

RAINBOW SEA is a sparkle book, full of lavish, bold-colored art by the great marine artist, Christian Riese Lassen. The last page has one of my favorite pieces of his, "Galaxy of Life." There are plenty of dolphins (including "Mother's Miracle,") as well as a few orcas, sea turtles and sperm whales. Also there's plenty of coral varieties and numerous, popular saltwater fish including one of my favorites, the Naso Tang.

The 'story' is actually a by-the-page account, which was wise on Jane Edgecombe's part. She makes Lassen's work shine even more by complementing--not competing against it. I appreciate her descriptive, sanguine poetry. Here's an excerpt:

"The orcas are leaping,
fins flap and tails wiggle,
Dolphins dive, coral dances,
and fish gleam and giggle.
The moon shines once more,
as they frolic with glee
At the rainbow of colors
that live in the sea."

Another thing about RAINBOW SEA you'll love is that it very durable made of thin cardboard inside and a thick outside cover. The sparkling inserts into Lassen's art are not flush with the book but underneath making it impossible for young children to rip them out. So you can buy this for even the youngest book lover. Yet the art is so entrancing that older kids, teenagers and adults can appreciate it! New target market age--two to one hundred and two!

I highly recommend this book for fans of Lassen's art and/or the ocean, its creatures and its Majesty! Christian brings it all to life. Dive right in! 9/10 stars. (I would have liked to see the more planets like in "Sanctuary," "The Cosmos," "Children of the Stars," "Cosmic Voyagers" and "Eternity." This concentrates on some of the horizon but mostly under the sea.) If you get this for your young kids, purchase "LASSEN ISLAND" for yourself.

Soar!

Brimner's Raindrops is a gentle, poetic tie-in to primary science units about the water cycle. Big and bold illustrations by David Brooks in soft, pastel colors are dreamy--as if seen through a soft rain. Brimner, who is one of the best loved writers for kindergarten and first grade, has a winner here. Like this one and you'll enjoy some of his other emergent readers--Cowboy Up!, Nana's Hog, Firehouse Sal, How Many Ants?, and the hysterical duo Max and Felix. Kids love them (and so do their teachers).

A first-grade team teacher, I find Brimner's emergent reader to be a useful tie-in to our science unit on the water cycle. Although he doesn't clobber readers over the head with scientific facts--it is, after all, fiction--the cycle is there for young readers to discover and enjoy. An excellent choice for anyone wishing to tie scientific fact to the realm of young fiction.

This book is written with an extra ordinary command of our English language. Mr. Viets has very special insight to the human conscious. What an eloquent writer.

Rarely have I read a book that starts strong and keeps my interest through to the end of the story while getting to know the unforgetable characters. The ship, the Raven Stone, sounds fantastic, and I loved the detailed descriptions of life at sea in the 1500's. The romance between the young couple is just budding in this book, so I am looking forward to book 2 so I can see where it goes from here.