Searching for Sea Lions - Level 25-26

Searching for Sea Lions follows underwater photographer and writer Kim Westerskov on a journey to Campbell Island, one of the most remote parts of the South Pacific. This non-fiction account blends dramatic first-person narrative with striking photographs to capture the rare and beautiful interactions between humans and sea lions. Descriptive language such as œseaweed sways and dances evokes powerful imagery, while overlapping images and factual inserts enhance the learning experience. This book provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore marine life, remote ecosystems, and the work of wildlife photographers. The text also encourages critical thinking about how information is structured, how technical vocabulary is used, and how language and layout support understanding in non-fiction texts.

Educational Benefits:

• Teaches students how to interpret non-fiction through descriptive and visual text.
• Enhances understanding of marine biology and remote environments.
• Builds vocabulary around wildlife and photography.
• Promotes research skills through fact-finding and summarising.

Classroom Ideas:

• Research Campbell Island and create a fact file or travel brochure.
• Write a descriptive paragraph imagining an underwater dive.
• Discuss the challenges of photographing wildlife.
• Compare this first-person non-fiction to other scientific texts.

Information:

• Reading Level: 25-26 (Emerald)
• Suitable for ages: 10-12 years
• Format: Paperback
• Page size approx.: 210mm x 148mm