A middle-grade and family-friendly introduction to the enchanting world of seaweed.

Young readers will be delighted to learn about the wonderful, watery world of seaweed, where emerald-green kelp forests grow as tall as trees and rainbow seaweeds shimmer like gemstones in the sunlight. Seaweed can be fun too, providing tasty snacks like nori crisps and cool things to do: hunt for dead man’s fingers to squeeze like a squirt gun, have a popping contest with rockweed or make seaweed art. Seaweeds are also critical to the health of the planet—they produce most of the oxygen we need to breathe, help to keep the earth cool and provide habitat for sea creatures. And they're full of healthy vitamins and have more minerals than any other food!

This colourful, activity-packed book explores the science of seaweed while showing how to sustainably harvest and use it, and providing many fun facts about marine plants and animals. It is a unique field guide, featuring seaweeds from both Atlantic and Pacific oceans and showcasing the beautiful and vital ecosystems of the coasts, and is sure to inspire curious beachcombers of all ages.

Amanda Swinimer (BSc), aka “Mermaid of the Pacific”, hand harvests wild seaweed from the beaches and kelp forests of the Salish Sea for her business, Dakini Tidal Wilds. She also conducts seaweed tours and gives presentations on seaweed to school children and audiences of all ages, passing on her knowledge about ocean ecology and the nutritional benefits of seaweed. She is the author of The Science and Spirit of Seaweed: Discovering Food, Medicine and Purpose in the Kelp Forests of the Pacific Northwest. She lives on the west coast of Vancouver Island with her two daughters.

Amanda Swinimer's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award
• Winner, Gold Medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards

“Amanda Swinimer’s seaweed guide for kids presents a richly illustrated sweep of seaweed fact, art and cookery. These are presented in the context of a challenged ocean and humanity. I recommend this book to you, to share with children of all ages.”

Louis Druehl, author of <em>Pacific Seaweeds: A Guide to Common Seaweeds of the West Coast</em>

“The Science and Superpowers of Seaweed is a fabulous and fun book for young people—and for everyone! What an eye-opener. Thinking ‘seaweed’ is one thing is like thinking all forests are alike! So much cool science. Author Amanda Swinimer has done an amazing job in making seaweed science accessible!”

Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada

“Our planet is a water world, cold and mysterious to land animals like us. Thanks to Amanda Swinimer’s love story (her romance with kelp) we learn about these diverse sea plants that comprise vast forests, feed and shelter many sea animals and even influence the climate. This book is a fascinating guide to one of the most important groups of species in the world.”

David Suzuki

“A delight for seashore enthusiasts of any age.”

Bridgette Clarkston, PhD, co-author of <em>Pacific Seaweeds: A Guide to Common Seaweeds of the West Coast</em>