Jacques Cousteau - The Oceans’ Ambassador

“The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish.” Each spread of the recently published The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau has a bubble (how apropos) containing a Cousteau quote. And each bubble floats on colorful wall to wall artwork with a 1950's retro look. The copy, though sparse, is so informative. I learned that as a young weakling, Cousteau was encouraged to swim to strengthen himself. And that after a car accident later in life it was recommended that he wear arm braces; but swimming in the Mediterranean saved him again. It was at this point that a friend gave him goggles — the turning point in his life.

He couldn't get enough of seeing underwater. And he wound up going to great lengths to do just that. He was involved with the invention of the aqua-lung, the underwater camera and devices designed to get divers deeper than they had gone before. He explored oceans no one else ever had. And he, for the first time, brought the ocean right into people’s living rooms with his popular TV series, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.

This would be a great book to share with the child who loves the beach, sea animals or exploration.

Ages 6-9
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Activity: Now here’s something Jacques Cousteau would appreciate. You entering a design an ocean flag contest sponsored by National Geographic. This contest ends February 20, 2010. Good luck!