Isabel Maydew is 12 years old and she lives on the Isle of Portland with her mum and sister. Portland is well known for its history and its fantastic animals. There are lots of stories on Portland about smugglers and mermaids, all of them are true. This is Isabels story about the Portland sea dragon.

"Off the southern and western coasts of Australia lives a fish with transparent fins shaped like seaweed, undulating slowly in the water, mimicking its plant surroundings to survive. This incredible example of evolution is an endangered species, a sad reality but a great opportunity to teach. This book highlights the incredible physical attributes of the leafy sea dragon through astonishing full-color photographs, and includes wacky tidbits on every page to entice readers of all ages into learning about biology, ecosystems, and more."

These creatures are hard to find when they swim among the plants of their natural habitat. If in fact the two species of sea dragons are known as weedy and leafy because they look so much like the plants in which they make their homes! This creature has a long snout that gave rise to the name sea dragon. Students will learn that the father carries sea dragon eggs in his special pouch. These delicate creatures are found on only one place on Earth, so students will learn how this creature must be protected before it vanishes!

First published in 2002. The image of a dragon- magnificent, terrifying, voracious and powerful- is ingrained in our culture. But where di it originate? And how is that people from Africa to China to America picture it the same? An Instinct for Dragons is anthropologist David E. Jones' account of his search for the mysterious birth of this ubiquitous monster. Nit only does virtually every culture in the world have a name for dragons- smok in Polish, tatsu in Japanese, unktena in Cherokee- but dragons everywhere share many of the same characteristics: multiple heads, blazing eyes, earth-shaking roars, fiery breath, and the abduction of princesses. Spanning dragon lore from all paces and periods, Jones scrutinizes sightings and references from dragon inscriptions on cave walls, cliffs and pots to the Loch Ness monster to the Internet. Jones' research is erudite, and his conclusion is stunning; not only is our fear and fascination with dragons a direct result of the predators who threatened our evolution, but humankind is essentially 'hardwired' to believe in the dragon. This book will fascinate any reader interested in the cultural history of this most venerable of monsters.

Introduces the sea dragon discussing its habitat, food, and life cycle.

What looks like a sea horse covered with leaves? ItÕs the sea dragon! Learn all about this real-life dragon that lives in the ocean off the coast of southern Australia. Life science curriculum links are covered throughout. Critical thinking questions using the common core are also included.

Kameoglas.