Blue – Dragon of the Sea

By Aleesah Darlison &

Tamlyn Teow

Reviewed by Sandy Driessens

“Meet Blue, a Dragon of the Sea! He’s also known as a nudibranch or sea slug.”

Gliding on the currents and dancing in the sea, is Blue, a tiny blue glaucus that is so well camouflaged that you may never see it. With its fellow Sea Swallows (another nickname for this one of over 3000 species of nudibranch), Blue explores the ocean with other sea creatures and navigates life and the dangers that come with living in the ocean.

Award-winning Aleesah Darlison’s simple text is written with engaging language whilst containing oodles of facts that will ignite curiosity in a young audience (and perhaps the adult reader). Describing this particular nudibranch and viewing the ocean from Blue’s perspective, makes the story all the more fascinating. She portrays Blue’s unique features and its survival techniques when under threat.

Of course, Tamlyn Teow’s wonderful pencil and watercolour illustrations capture the feeling of being afloat. Her humorous portrayal of the sea creatures brings them to life with their characteristics distinct in their physique, emotional facial features and movements. She depicts natural and man-made threats in the ocean with dramatic flair.

The cover and end pages will draw children to another beautifully produced book that invites them to explore the diversity of sea life and the role that each organism plays. Whether at home or at school, this book is a good introduction to science, encouraging curiosity and discussion about the importance of the natural world, with a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to care for our environment.

 Wombat Books, 2025

Aleesah Darlison

Tamlyn Teow