★ Marine photographer Yōo Nakamura has traveled from the Arctic to the Antarctic, producing more than 100 photo albums and using his lens to take you on a dive into coral reefs around the world.
★ This book provides a comprehensive scientific introduction to coral ecosystems and the formation of coral reefs, explains the impact of global warming on marine ecology, and highlights the vital role coral reefs play in protecting coastlines and sustaining Earth’s ecological balance, helping children develop a strong sense of ocean conservation and environmental awareness.

This book is part of the “Children’s Science Popularization New Series NEXT,” a visually rich, illustrated collection designed for young readers who love science. Centered on coral, a fascinating marine organism, it invites young readers to uncover the secrets of these guardians of our planet and to discover the diverse array of sea life that calls coral reefs home. As a unique form of marine life, corals accumulate over millennia to create the distinctive underwater landscapes known as coral reefs—these remarkable formations are the heart of this book’s scientific exploration.

Coral reefs not only serve as vital habitats for countless marine species, including fish, but also play an indispensable role in safeguarding our environment. Like natural breakwaters, they silently withstand the force of ocean waves, protecting coastal communities. One of the book’s standout features is its inclusion of stunning photographs taken by the author during field trips around the world—images of vibrant coral reefs and the marine life that thrives among them. These vivid, real‑life shots bring the magic of the underwater coral world to life, immersing young readers in its beauty.

Beyond its breathtaking visuals, the book also provides detailed explanations of coral growth patterns, the processes behind reef formation, and the various impacts of climate change on these delicate ecosystems. As they marvel at the splendor of the deep, young readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants, while subtly developing a deeper awareness of our planet’s ecological challenges. This makes it an exceptional children’s title that combines visual appeal with meaningful scientific education.

Nakamura Osamu

Marine photographer. Born in Tokyo in 1949. He graduated from the Master’s Program in Civil Engineering at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, where he specialized in coastal engineering and conducted long-term research on ocean waves. Subsequently, he founded the marine photography studio Polvox Co., Ltd., a position he holds to this day.

His work has taken him across the seven oceans, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, where he has steadfastly pursued marine photography. To date, he has published more than 100 photo albums and books worldwide. His representative works include “Why Do Whales Sing,” “I Want to Swim with Dolphins!,” “The World of Mimicry in Water,” “A Journey to Meet All Penguin Species Around the Globe,” “Racing to the Seas of the Galápagos,” “Penguin Chicks,” “The Secrets of Coral Reefs,” “Tales of the Seven Oceans,” “An Illustrated Guide to Butterflyfish,” “Names of the Sea,” “Names of the Islands,” “Coral Reefs and Marine Life,” and “Visual Science on Corals and Coral Reefs,” among many others.

Preface
Chapter 1 Coral and Coral Reefs
Chapter 2 The Wonderful Ecology and Behavior of Corals
Chapter 3 Marine Life in Coral Reefs
Afterword