Sponges Are Skeletons (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Esbensen, Barbara Juster

ISBN 10: 0060210370 ISBN 13: 9780060210373

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1993

Synopsis

A fascinating exploration of sponges journeys beneath the sea to show how these creatures begin life and then goes ashore to explain how they are harvested, dried, and readied for use as natural sponges in the world's bathtubs.

About this title

About the Author

Barbara Juster Esbensen was the author of many popular fiction and nonfiction picture books, including Baby Whales Drink Milk, another Lets-Read-and-Find-Out Science title.

Holly Keller has illustrated numerous picture books, such as Nola Bucks Morning in the Meadow, and the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out Science title Lets Go Rock Collecting by Roma Gans. She lives in West Redding, CT.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-4. A new addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series, this book explains how some bath sponges are actually the skeletons of animals that have been harvested by divers from the ocean floor. Typical of the highly regarded series, the presentation is both lively and informative. "Sploosh! Splash! Dribble! Time to squeeze a skeleton." The text is simple and thought provoking, and the illustrations are bright and animated. Esbensen does strike a somewhat jarring, if realistic, note by stressing that sponges are beautiful living animals ("No two living sponges are ever exactly the same shape.") while at the same time promoting their harvest for use as bath sponges ("A sponge is especially good for washing because it holds more water than a washcloth. . . . The sponges die and their skins rot. The smell is terrible--whew!"). Otherwise, this book is a very child-friendly examination of an interesting creature and its use by humans. Annie Ayres

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0060210370
• ISBN 13: 9780060210373
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Keller Holly