Harastova, Helena. Underwater Park: Learning about Sea Animals. Justyna Hotubowska-Chrzaszczak, Illus. Translated from the Czech by Andrew Oakland. Albatros, 05/2025. [26]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.95. 978-80-00-07441-2. GRADES Preschool–3. LOW ADDITIONAL.
Thirteen cartoony, double-page spreads take the reader into different locales within an imaginative underwater amusement park of rides and activities, where scattered text boxes describe in brief, sometimes awkwardly translated statements, the antics and attributes of many labeled sea animals. While some statements are fact, others are whimsical invention. Do jellyfish actually interact with other species in a friendly manner? This book won’t tell you; with no back matter or further reading, young readers will be left to guess about the true habits of most pictured creatures. While many may delight in identifying favorite theme park attractions in the immersive and appealing illustrations, this won’t satisfy those looking for more accurate content, especially if placed as suggested in nonfiction collections. A giant fold-out park map will surely rip immediately. Cute, but perhaps better as a novelty gift than a school or public library acquisition.
Riva Pollard—Sausalito Public Library