Coral Reefs by Gail Gibbons

Gibbons, Gail. 2007. Coral Reefs. New York: Holiday House.

Coral reefs are usually located in water with a temperature between 64 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Coral reefs are made from the skeletons of tiny marine animals. Coral reefs come in three different types; fringe reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. Coral reefs began to die out about 65 million years ago; at about the same time that dinosaurs became extinct, but began to come back about 50 million years ago. These and many other interesting facts can be found in author Gail Gibbons' fact-filled book about coral reefs and the sea life they help to sustain. Gibbons' colorfully vivid and Nemo-esque illustrations of coral reefs all over the world demonstrate the symbiotic relationship enjoyed by the reefs, fish and plant life. Facts gathered from marine biologist Dr. Kim Ritchie and Mote Marine Laboratory manager Nadine Slimak lend authority to this curiosity-satisfying book that is also a feast for the eyes.