How to Measure the Ocean by Inda Ahmad Zahri

Title: How to Measure the Ocean

Author: Inda Ahmad Zahri

Genre: Education

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 30^th April 2024

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: How DO you measure something as vast and dynamic as the ocean? A poetic invitation to explore the shallows and depths of the ocean, sparking curiosity and wonder while introducing early maths concepts along the way.

The ocean can be difficult to measure.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
You can work most things out…
once you know what you’re measuring.

A lyrical exploration of the beauty of maths and the wonders of the ocean.

Inda Ahmad Zahri is an author, illustrator, surgical doctor and scuba diver. She was inspired to create this book when her daughter said, ‘What I love about numbers is that they go on and on and on forever.’

‘Using simple language, Zahri skilfully links the boundless ocean with the infinite value of numbers … The illustrations open with energetic scenes of the vibrant ocean waves, bright colours highlight sea life and coral, and a map and diagram of the water cycle support understanding.’ Books+Publishing

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Have you ever wondered how measurement works, and if you can measure the ocean? Or how do scientists know how deep the ocean is and all about its shallows and depths? If you’re interested in this sort of thing, in maths and science. Then this is the book for you, your kids, and their class. Perfect for an early childhood setting, this book explores the wonder and mysteries of the ocean and its size, and that we should never give up on asking questions or being curious.

Inda Ahmad Zahri’s latest book explores curiosity, how things are measured and the world of maths in a creative and accessible way, so young children can be introduced to the world of measurement in a vibrant way that isn’t too dry and invites them to see how it works in the real world, in a world that they are familiar with. This can help them grasp the concept of measurement, and from there, other maths concepts that can be hard to understand for some children. Using the idea of the ocean and how to measure something that can’t be measured – at least in conventional ways – this book shows children that there is also not always a neat and tidy answer to everything, and that there are some things that must be left up to the imagination.

Yet it also shows the certainties of maths and measurement, and the way measurement works within the world around us, and encourages children to explore the world of measurement, with activities such as building a paper boat, and explains how measurement and things taking up space work in a note at the end of the book – a very accessible method to teach young children about this topic and to educate them or help them learn about this area, and is suitable for all ages – even older children can benefit from a book like this – it breaks it down into something that is easy to understand and entertaining as well.

It also celebrates the beauty of the ocean and the sea, from the shallows at the beach to the depths that are home to blue whales, ghosts of the Titanic, dolphins and all sorts of sea creatures of all sizes, colours and species. It is a beautiful book that will definitely have something in it for everyone alongside the maths and measurement aspects. Readers of all ages will have fun with this book, and it can be read on many different levels and one that will also ignite imaginations and wonder for all. Another great picture book for all ages.