Dorset author releases new children’s book about sea life at Swanage

A Dorset author has recently published her new book called Who Lives in the Swanage Sea?          

Maria Munn has spent many years writing books, doing underwater photography, and instructing children at Scuba diving schools.

Despite having not written a children’s book before, Maria said she had really enjoyed the experience and found it fun putting it together. 

The 24-page book has a range of full colour underwater images which were taken by Maria herself, after spending 12 years snorkelling and diving in Swanage.  

Maria said: “It was important for me to use real photographs rather than animations.”

This was because she thought it might be interesting for the children if they were to see the sea creatures in real life.  

The book features Samuel the Spider Crab, as readers follow his adventures with his best friend, Violet the Velvet Swimming Crab.  

Along the way, Sam and Violet meet more sea creatures around Swanage’s most famous landmarks such as Scoopies ice cream parlour and some local fish and chip shops.  

While keeping the book fun and entertaining for children, Maria also went on to mention the aspect of environmental awareness which has been included throughout, to educate the audience of young readers in an engaging way.   

Nina, an employee at a zero-waste shop called Just1Swap, also emphasised the need for children to be environmentally aware of marine wildlife as she said that it doesn’t get talked about enough.

She added: “We really need to do more so we can protect these sea creatures. It’s awful to think that some people don’t even care.”  

Charmaine Macey, Swanage resident, said that the book would be a “great read” for children.  

She added: “It is very well put together. I was especially impressed with the images in the book too.”  

Who Lives in the Swanage Sea? can be purchased online through Amazon or can be bought in-store at The Ocean Studio.