Published: June 6, 2024
By: Richard Rosser
Local author Steve Simmons has connected with South Florida Family Life to share a colorful and fun activity book to fuel interest among young people in the fascinating world of ocean creatures.
Click here for the printable activity book.
With World Oceans Day coming up for celebration on June 8th, there is no better time to be reflecting on the importance of our oceans. Aside from Alaska, Florida is the state with the most miles of coastline, and oceans are no doubt important to many who call this state home.
The ocean covers 71% of the Earth’s surface. Tiny plant organisms that live in the ocean provide 50% of the Earth’s oxygen, which we breathe. They also help absorb a huge amount of carbon dioxide, which is polluting the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. And beyond just those organisms, the ocean is also home to a huge habitat of biodiversity with its thousands of different species.
Most children experience the ocean for the first time when they frolic on the beach or swim in the water under the watchful eyes of parents. Local resident and author, Steve Simmons, has just released a new book, which he hopes will help children gain an even better understanding of the vibrant life found in the ocean and how vital the ocean is to the future of the planet. Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night?, co-authored with his son, Cliff Simmons, is an informative, rhyming picture book that dives deep to look at where and how ocean animals sleep.
Steve finds ocean creatures to be truly amazing. Whether they are turtles laying eggs on Florida’s beaches, beautiful parrot fish swimming in rock or coral formations, or dolphins jumping above thew aves— life below the surface is something to behold in his eyes. Steve recommends that parents take their children to aquariums, read books about the ocean inhabitants, or watch the many good documentaries to be found on streaming services like Blue Planet to introduce one’s children to the vibrant underwater world. And how about snorkeling when the kids are old enough?
When swimming in the ocean and enjoying the feeling of the salt water, and when holding one’s child in the gentle waves – Steve recommends remembering to share with them how millions of creatures also live in this ocean – they eat, play and sleep there. And he encourages emphasizing how we must all work together to preserve the ocean— and its creatures— for all generations.
