The Brilliant Deep is the proud recipient of the ALA Notable Children's Books Award, the NSTA-CBC Best STEM Trade Books Award, the Junior Library Guild Selection and the ILA Teacher's Choices.

All it takes is one: one coral gamete to start a colony in the ocean, one person to make a difference in the world, one idea to help us heal the earth. The ongoing conservation efforts to save and rebuild the world's coral reefs—with hammer and glue, and grafts of newly grown coral—are the living legacy of environmental scientist Ken Nedimyer, founder of the Coral Restoration Foundation.

In telling the story of this sea conservation pioneer and marine life protector, Kate Messner and Matthew Forsythe create a stunning tribute to the wonders of nature and the power of human hope—a power even the smallest readers can access in their quest to aid our extraordinary planet.

Recommended by experts for children who are reading independently and transitioning to longer books, The Brilliant Deep is perfect for the following reading categories:

• Books for Kids Ages 5-9
• Children's Books for Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
• Nonfiction Science Studies Education
• Summer Reading

Kate Messner's profile page

Matthew Forsythe crée des bandes dessinées, des albums illustrés et des modèles pour l'animation. Sa bande dessinée Ojingogo a été en lice pour le prix Eisner à deux reprises, et il était le graphiste en chef de l'émission télévisée Adventure Time. Aux Éditions Scholastic, il a illustré Je m'appelle Catherine d'Annika Dunklee. Pour faciliter ses recherches, Matthew a été de mauvaise humeur tout le long de la création de ce livre. Il habite à Montréal.

Matthew Forsythe makes comics and picture books and designs for animation. His comic Ojingogo was noMinated twice for an Eisner Award, and he was the lead designer on the TV show Adventure Time. For research purposes, he was in a bad mood the whole time he drew this book. Matthew lives in Montreal.

Matthew Forsythe's profile page

“The message of positive advocacy for the environment will inspire young naturalists.”-The Horn Book Magazine

"The ocean comes alive in this dazzling, nonfiction picture book about the life of Ken Nedimyer and his efforts to save the coral reefs through the creation of the Coral Restoration Foundation." --Shelf Awareness, starred review

"This timely nonfiction picture book that unfolds on three fronts: as science primer about coral, biography of conservationist Ken Nedimyer, and call to action for kids." --The San Francisco Chronicle

"Both educational and gorgeous."--Book Riot

"Nedimyer’s story and immensely inspiring work come alive in The Brilliant Deep." --Brain Pickings

"Fascinating, informative, and a solid nod to anyone who chooses to make a difference." --Books to Borrow, Books to Buy

★“Riveting… a book that can be used in so many ways-a study in biography, science, conservation, and volunteerism.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“A poetic analogy between people and corals… and the power of innovation.”-Publishers Weekly

“Strong, expressive, luminous illustrations… An engaging and informative picture book.” -Booklist

"Scientific storytelling at its best." --The Virginia Pilot

“A charming piece of environmental good news for storytime.” -Kirkus Reviews