How to Measure the Ocean (Inda Ahmad Zahri, A&U Children’s)

How to Measure the Ocean by scuba diver and surgical doctor Inda Ahmad Zahri prompts and encourages children aged 4–8 to interact with their environment scientifically and mathematically. In the book, a curious family tries to measure the ocean with scales, string and a bucket, but these tools are inadequate. They realise they can quantify only some elements—among them the locations of different oceans (and ‘half-oceans. Almost-oceans. Once-oceans. And oceans-in-between’) and how far a turtle travels. A number line drawn across the ocean’s surface (or into the depths) may at first seem straightforward, but nature complicates it with its curves and spirals. The ocean itself changes; it adds, subtracts, divides and multiplies. Using simple language, Zahri skilfully links the boundless ocean with the infinite value of numbers. She suggests readers reread the book, replacing the word ‘ocean’ with other abstract nouns representing other concepts that are difficult to measure (and are usually uncountable), such as kindness, creativity or love. 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. How to Measure the Ocean is ideal for readers of Counting on Frank by Rod Clement and Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is? by Robert E Wells.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Joy Lawn has worked for independent bookshops and blogs at Paperbark Words. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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