Books Review: Diving the World with Norbert Wu, The Underwater World for Kids

Diving the World with Norbert Wu

Diving the World is a whopper of a new book by Norbert Wu, one of the world's preeminent underwater photographers. In this just-issued, 384-page book, Wu displays a gallery of fascinating images from the world's most beautiful dive locations, from the well-trodden California coast to the remote outposts of Antarctica and the tropical shores of lesser known locales including the Revillagigedo Islands, Palau, and French Polynesia.

Ken McAlpine's colorful and informative text provides an honest appraisal of everything a serious diver needs to know along Wu's photographic journey: the best seasons for diving, unique aspects of the geography and sea life found, popular dive destinations within a specific locale, suggestions for getting there, the best time and places for extraordinary species and behaviors, as well as topside tips. Three hundred and fifty color photographs from more than 30 locations illustrate the wonder and diversity that can be found under the sea, from frolicking sea otters to freshwater jellyfish to bad-tempered sharks and coral communities bursting with color. Wu has the unique ability to capture the mood and personality -- whether whimsical or fearsome -- of his subjects.

Diving the World also examines current conservation issues related to preserving the seas and their inhabitants. His pictorial accounts of dying reefs and strangling sea lions impart an urgent global message. It is also a wakeup call to individuals whose informed choice at the fish market can have lasting impact on sustaining healthy marine environments. By emphasizing the fragile beauty of the world's oceans through his photography, Norbert Wu is an ambassador of hope for the future of these natural wonderlands.

This is a splendid book, a must for every serious diver and a great prize for anyone on your holiday gift list.

Diving the World lists for $75, but order it at Undercurrent for $52.50, plus shipping, and a substantial part of the profits go to the Coral Reef Alliance.

The Underwater World for Kids

Fishy Friends, A Journey Through the Coral Kingdom is a perfect way to share your passion of the underwater world with that special child. With excellent pictures of sand divers and octopus and scorpionfish illustrating a powerful yet entertaining conservation message, this is a great addition to any child's library. As the picture editor of Smithsonian Magazine says, "Michael Powell's images in Fishy Friends have a unique blend of clarity, color, and behavior, so important to catching the interest of children, the future steward of our planet." The clownfish images are sure to resonate with any youngster who saw Saving Nemo. For kids, to age 12. Michael Patrick O'Neill, $19.95.

Order it at Undercurrent, and a substantial part of the profits will go to the Coral Reef Alliance.