Helen Scales
Dr Helen Scales is a marine biologist, broadcaster and writer. Her books include the Guardian bestseller, Spirals in Time, the Telegraph best science book of the year, The Brilliant Abyss, and for younger readers The Great Barrier Reef and What a Shell Can Tell. She teaches marine science and science writing at Cambridge University and is advisor to the UK ocean conservation charity Sea Changers. Helen divides her time between Cambridge, England, and the wild Atlantic coast of France.
Books by Helen Scales
What a Shell Can Tell
by Helen Scales & Sonia Pulido (illustrator)
A richly illustrated scientific picture book (48 pages) by a marine biologist and an illustrator who lives by the sea. The author is very thoughtful about explaining the science in a simple way, without being patronising, leaving a lot of space for the colourful pictures. Young readers learn plenty of facts about shells and their diverse environments from coral reefs to the abyss, but What a Shell Can Tell is also a wonderful inspiration for children to think about the world by observing nature. A small accompanying activity kit is available to download.
Ages 6-10
Interviews with Helen Scales
The Best Ocean Novels for 10-14 Year Olds, recommended by Helen Scales
Marine biologist Helen Scales reflects on the power of stories to bring all kinds of readers into the ocean realm. She recommends books for children and young adults, and explains why her selection focuses on novels for readers age 10-14.
The best books on Ocean Life, recommended by Helen Scales
We plunder the ocean for food, dump our waste in it, respect its wildlife less than land-based creatures. Why? Is it a case of “out of sight, out of mind”? Marine biologist Helen Scales tells us what’s down there and what we’re doing to it.
