Learn about beaches and coastal life with this children's introduction to animals, plants, and seashells.

Ocean beaches capture our attention like few places on Earth-and for good reason. Two vastly different ecosystems merge here, attracting a wide variety of life forms. Become a young oceanographer. Learn all about beaches and the plants and animals found there. East Coast expert Erika Zambello and West Coast naturalist Stephanie Panlasigui present a kids' introduction to beach life. The children's book, ideal for early and middle-grade readers, conveys fascinating information for beginners.

Start by learning about beaches and their various habitats, as well as tips on beach safety, collecting etiquette, and Leave No Trace principles. That's followed by an introduction to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and an identification guide to common and noteworthy types of shells, plants, and animals--including birds, dolphins, manatees, and more. Seashells & Beachcombing for Kids is rounded out by family-friendly beach activities and Citizen Science Projects.

Inside You'll Find

• Beginner information with beachcombing tips
• The basics of oceanography
• Identification guide to coastal animals, plants, and seashells
• Beach-related activities that the entire family can enjoy

In her home state of California, Stephanie Panlasigui grew up 7 miles from the Pacific Ocean, where she enjoyed spending time with her family while swimming, spotting dolphins, and hiking on the bluffs. Stephanie began her career as a naturalist, guiding children to explore redwood forests, buckeye groves, tidepools, and sandy beaches. Now she works on understanding how restoring and protecting habitats can support thriving human and wildlife populations. She holds a master's degree in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.

From her home base in North Florida, Erika Zambello has explored hundreds of parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges across the Southeast and around the country. She was a National Geographic Young Explorer and serves on the board of the National Parks Traveler website. She holds a master's degree in environmental management from Duke University and a master's degree in strategic communication from the University of West Florida. As a writer, she has been featured in National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Voices, Backpacker, Florida Sportsman, and other publications.