Honu and Blue's Sealife Clues by Jez Smith

Honu and Blue love to explore. They're taking a trip along the seashore, seeking out creatures that live in the sea and following clues. What might they be? Author Jez Smith takes readers on a rhyming, riddle-filled journey in and around the seashore, as Honu and Blue challenge us to identify some of the remarkable marine animals that call Aotearoa home. From nippers and paddles, divers and drifters, there is plenty to spot within the pages.

Each page offers suspense and interaction, inviting readers to piece together the clues to find out who is waiting on the next page. As well as the main storyline, Smith is sure to include facts, figures and tidbits about each animal, as well as its common name and Māori name, making this somewhat of a reference book too.

Smith uses lots of rich language with alliteration and adjectives, helping enrich younger readers' vocabulary.

In the companion story to Pu and Ru's Bird Beak Clues, readers are also encouraged to care for our environment. The book ends with a spread of practical conservation tips, encouraging families to protect Aotearoa.

Illustrated by the incomparable Ned Barraud, the book sings with detail and energy. His passion for the natural world is evident, with realistic yet playful characters. He hides little bits of humour (a penguin in a party hat!) within the pages too, adding to the fun.

With rich language, stunning artwork and bursting with knowledge, Honu and Blue's Sealife Clues is an engaging and informative read about our rich marine life.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Scholastic