From revered nature writer Brenda Peterson and told through striking and vibrant mixed-media collages by Caldecott Medalist Ed Young, Catastrophe by the Sea is a poignant story of redemption through empathy and compassion found in the most surprising places, and also provides a rich understanding of small creatures that live in a dangerous tidal zone. A lost cat roams the tide pools, pawing relentlessly at the small creatures that live there. One day an anemone confronts him and asks why he is alone and befriends him. In partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, Catastrophe by the Sea delivers a powerful message of finding understanding and friendship, and at the same time educates on the varied wildlife brimming in tide pools. “For several years, the Seattle Aquarium has studied the role of empathy in promoting conservation. Empathy is the ability to perceive, understand and care about the experiences or perspectives of another person or animal. We most often feel empathy for other people, but we can also feel empathy for animals. This led us to the idea of a children’s book. Animals are regular protagonists in children’s books, but these characters are primarily vertebrates and often charismatic mammals. Could we create a book that would allow kids and their caregivers to empathize with strange and exotic marine animals, like sea anemones or barnacles? We hope this book strikes a chord with audiences and fosters empathy for animals less like us.” --Jim Wharton, director of conservation engagement and learning at the Seattle Aquarium Brenda Peterson's words are like music. Ed Young's art flows like water through every page. Tide pool creatures would be proud of Catastrophe by the Sea .-- Sy Montgomery, author Soul of an Octopus A cat learns to see creatures who are different than his two and four legged friends. No soft fur or skin, but tentacles and shells. The cat learns about and feels for creatures in the tide pool . . . The book leaves us with hope that the children will teach their adults. --Zorana Ivcevic, Research Scientist, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence "Peterson's lyrical text perfectly complements Young's stunning mixed-media-and-collage artwork. In one spread, the cat's shadow looms over a flailing, gigantic red octopus; in another, Catastrophe's paws reach out to the delicate, pastel tentacles of an anemone; and a band of purple barnacles rhythmically click and clack their shells despite being permanently attached to a rock. . . Appended with further discussion of tide pools and the importance of empathizing with these creatures." -- Booklist review Acclaimed nature writer, Brenda Peterson, in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, the uniquely creative picture book tells an adventure story that builds awareness, understanding, and empathy. A wealth of information and inspiration to learn . . . Young's distinctive collage artwork is phenomenal and adds texture and detail. A harmonious picture book that celebrates biodiversity and builds empathy. -- School Library Journal review "Many of the torn-paper collage illustrations of the cat are compelling, and the variety of textures and effects achieved with the combination of different papers is fascinating when perused closely. As explained in an afterword, the fanciful story was developed in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium as an effort to increase empathy for sea life." --Kirkus Review WATCH our video book trailer for a preview of this new kid's book! Brenda Peterson is a novelist, memoirist, nature writer, children’s book author, conservationist, and educator. For the past two decades she has studied and written about animals and nature, and is the founder of the conservation group Seal Sitters. She lives in Seattle, Washington. Ed Young has been honored the Caldecott Medal for his illustrations and has published over 80 books for children. Born in Tientsin, China, he graduated from Art Center in Pasadena, California, and taught art at several universities, including Pratt, Yale, Naropa, and UC Santa Cruz. Ed believed challenge and growth were central to his illustrations and hoped to expand awareness through them.  Can empathy inspire conservation and bring us closer to nature? The marine world is a strange and wonderful place to explore. Life beneath the waves may be the strangest of all. Ocean creatures look very different and lead diverse lives. This biodiversity strengthens the system—but can make it hard for us to feel connected to these alien beings. Empathy asks us to swim a mile in their fins. This helps us see and feel what we have in common with even the strangest of ocean creatures. Feeling connected to ocean animals includes them in our circle of concern, so we care and conserve them. What began with an idea from the team at the Seattle Aquarium to develop a tool that would help build empathy in Aquarium guests led to a fruitful collaboration and this beautiful book. Storytelling is one of the most p