Cate James is a children's book illustrator who lives by the ocean and loves swimming at the beach. She has a very naughty miniature dachshund called Sebastian who barks a lot. Cate's favourite things to draw are native Australian trees and wildlife. Prue Francis, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in marine science at Deakin University. A passionate marine educator, she loves snorkelling and exploring rock pools along the Great Southern Reef. Paul Venzo, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in writing, literature, and culture at Deakin University. A poet and author, he lives alongside Australia's Great Southern Reef.
Despite 70% of us living within 50km of it [the Great Southern Reef], its existence is little known and so this beautifully illustrated, informative book is an essential step in teaching our young students (and hopefully the adults in their lives) not only about its existence and inhabitants but also its importance. -- Barbara Braxton * The Bottom Shelf * The Great Southern Reef is celebrated and championed in this delightful non-fiction narrative. With Professor Seaweed as expert guide, Frankie and Sam, along with readers, uncover the secrets of the reef and discover a rich and diverse ecosystem that teems with life. * A World about Books * The illustrated children's book, The Great Southern Reef, [...] raises much-needed awareness of this unique reef ecosystem as 'an entity' and increases children's, as well as parents' and teachers' knowledge on the flora and fauna inhabiting kelp forests. [It] is a wonderful asset to any home or Australian school curriculum (or schools aboard), particularly those in close proximity to kelp forests, with added opportunities to participate in beachcoming activities/hands-on learning on field trips. -- Sharon Wismer * Australian Journal of Environmental Education *