Keepers of the Reef Format: Hardcover

Takes children to the underwater world of Australia's Great Barrier Reef for a prime example of how a complex ecosystem depends on its keystone species.

Sharon Wismer―reef ecologist and mom―is the best tour guide a kid could have for a visit to the underwater world of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Alice Wong’s richly detailed, accurate watercolors take a boy and girl snorkeling to see the fishes that maintain the ecological balance between the corals and their main competitor, algae. Without the fish species that brush, crop, scrape, excavate, and browse the algae, coral reefs would die. A coral reef is a brilliant and colorful example of how a complex ecosystem functions and why its keystone species are critical to its health.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s most celebrated natural treasures. Here children discover why the reef is threatened and what we can all do to help protect it. Endorsements are coming from Charlie Veron (“the godfather of coral,” featured in the 2017 film Chasing Coral) and David Bellwood, a world-renowned reef fish ecologist whose lab is the source of much of the information in this book.

Keepers of Reef is the rare children’s book combining cutting-edge science with narrative and pictorial magic. Thorough backmatter sources and resources are included.

watercolor and pencil

Dr. Sharon Wismer is a postdoctoral research fellow at James Cook University, Australia. Her research focuses on the behavioral ecology of reef fishes and the impacts of mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. Sharon spent her early childhood in Durban, South Africa, where exploring tidal pools ignited her passion for marine life. She obtained her BSc in Marine Biology in 2007, followed by a MSc and PhD in 2011 and 2017, respectively. Thus far, her research has led to 18+ peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals. Sharon is a passionate environmentalist with a firm goal to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect the natural world. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.

Alice Wong works in watercolor and pencil, and has illustrated three picture books and board books. The clients for her Beatrix Potter – style animal illustrations have included Harrods, Sainsburys, Paperchase, Hallmark, International Greetings, Hobby Lobby, Double Ink, and others. This is her first children’s non-fiction book.