Alice Wong – illustratör

Sharon Wismer—reef ecologist and mom—is the best tour guide a kid could have for a visit to the underwater world of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Alice Wong’s richly detailed, accurate watercolors take a boy and girl snorkeling to see the fishes that maintain the ecological balance between the corals and their main competitor, algae. Without the fish species that brush, crop, scrape, excavate, and browse the algae, coral reefs would die. A coral reef is a brilliant and colorful example of how a complex ecosystem functions and why its keystone species are critical to its health.The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s most celebrated natural treasures. Here children discover why the reef is threatened and what we can all do to help protect it. Endorsements are coming from Charlie Veron (“the godfather of coral,” featured in the 2017 film Chasing Coral) and David Bellwood, a world-renowned reef fish ecologist whose lab is the source of much of the information in this book.Keepers of Reef is the rare children’s book combining cutting-edge science with narrative and pictorial magic. Thorough backmatter sources and resources are included.

Today is the day Meko meets a new friend -- you.Meko's Adventures is a heartfelt, interactive picture book series that invites children into the world of Meko, a lovable pup with a big heart and an even bigger story to tell. In Meeting Meko, young readers follow along as Meko finds a new mom, a new home, and -- most importantly -- a safe place to belong. Gentle, rhythmic text and warm illustrations guide children through the emotions of change, love, and finding your place in the world, while thoughtful questions invite them to reflect on their own feelings and experiences along the way.In Meko's Day at the Beach, the adventure continues as Meko explores the shore, discovering jellyfish, sand dollars, driftwood, and a mysterious shipwreck, while asking young readers to notice the world through their own senses.Written by a licensed mental health therapist and program manager, this series was created to help children build empathy, curiosity, and resilience through storytelling -- gently opening the door to conversations about belonging, safety, and love.Perfect for adoptive and foster families, classrooms, or any child ready to feel seen, Meko's Adventures is a story children will want to return to again and again.Today is the day to meet Meko. Will you come along?