View source for Commotion In The Ocean by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz

{{infobox2
|title=Commotion In The Ocean
|author=Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz
|reviewer=Keith Dudhnath
|genre=For Sharing
|summary=A light-hearted and upbeat set of poems set underwater. Plenty of energy, excitement and bright illustrations make it a fine addition to your bookshelf.
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=978-1408308455
|pages=26
|publisher=Orchard
|date=February 2010
|aznuk=1408308452
|aznus=1408308452
|cover=1408308452 
|website=http://unitedagents.co.uk/giles-andreae
}}

There's a commotion in the ocean: the dolphins are squeaking, the jellyfish are jiggling, and the lobsters are clippetty-clapping snippety-snapping. Animal by animal, Giles Andreae (best-known for [[Giraffes Can't Dance Magnet Book by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees|Giraffes Can't Dance]]) takes us through the underwater adventures, with short, snappy poems.

This board book reissue of ''Commotion In The Ocean'' is a fine opportunity to explore sea creatures with the youngest of book fans. Everything's jolly, upbeat, and the poems trip off the tongue. I was immediately reminded of Spike Milligan's [[A Children's Treasury of Milligan by Spike Milligan|poems about animals]], and whilst this doesn't quite have the charm or humour of Spike, nothing could. There is a nice mix of creatures - not too obscure, not too mundane, the cute ones, and the ones with big gnashers. It all slots together to create a fun book.

David Wojtowycz's illustrations suit the mood of ''Commotion In The Ocean'' perfectly and help create the jolly atmosphere. Everything's bright and bubbly, with beaming smiles and oodles of character. Although they're not the sort of seascapes you'd pore for hours over, there are still plenty of funny little touches hidden around the pages, that give plenty of opportunities to discuss goings-on with the little 'uns.

''Commotion In The Ocean'' is good, light-hearted fun. It doesn't quite stand out enough to be an all-time favourite, but you'll certainly read it time and time again. It's a fine addition to any bookshelf. Recommended.

My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.

[[Jolly Olly Octopus by Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees]] strikes a similar upbeat underwater tone. Our favourite fishy book recently is the excellent [[One Smart Fish by Chris Wormell]] and you might have great fun with [[Convertible Submarine by Claire Phillip]].

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[[Category:Giles Andreae]]
[[Category:David Wojtowycz]]