Under The Sea: EARTH DESIGNS: Black and White and Red Book — A Dive Into Imagination
As a busy mom of two, quiet moments can sometimes feel like a luxury. One evening, when the chaos of dinner and bedtime routines had reached their peak, I found myself searching for a way to calm the waters. That’s when I stumbled upon Under The Sea: EARTH DESIGNS: Black and White and Red Book by Iya Whiteley. My little ones, ages 3 and 5, were restless after a long day, but I hoped this intriguing book would be the soothing balm we all needed.
From the very first page, I was captivated. Iya Whiteley, along with her impressive team, has crafted a stunning introduction to the underwater world with high-contrast images that are as mesmerizing for adults as they are for tiny babies. The book is designed for newborns and little ones from two months onward, making it perfect for my baby boy, who has just crossed the two-month milestone. The black and white visuals, sprinkled with vibrant red accents, draw little eyes in and keep them glued to the pages. It’s fascinating how those simple colors can capture attention—just as Owen from Bristol noted, my baby was focused, seeming to drink in the images as we turned page after page.
A Wave of Curiosity
As I read through the pages, we encountered curious sea creatures that ignited my kids’ imaginations—mermaids and fish gliding through an underwater paradise. The book does a fantastic job of combining engaging illustrations with interesting facts. My eldest was particularly captivated by the fun facts that accompanied the pictures. “Did you know that we know more about space than our oceans?” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
The dialogue didn’t stop there. I noticed how the layout encouraged discussion. We’d pause after each image to talk about what creatures were hiding in the ocean depths. It sparked a flurry of questions: “Can fish see colors?” or “Why do some fishes glow in the dark?” As a parent, it felt rewarding to see their curiosity blossom right before my eyes. This book not only held their attention, but it also opened up playful conversations about nature and science.
Sweet Moments and Splashy Surprises
One of the sweetest moments during our reading session came when my baby boy, in a rare moment of delight, let out a coo as we turned to a particularly vibrant page showcasing a busy coral reef filled with fish. His little face lit up as if he was responding to something extraordinary. My daughter, taking her role as the big sister seriously, said, “Look, baby! There’s a fish just like you inside the water!” It was such a small, tender moment, yet it felt so profound—connecting the two of them through the magic of a book.
The gentle rhythm of the text made it an enjoyable read-aloud experience, making the book perfect for snuggling together on the couch or during a quiet reading hour before bed.
Final Thoughts
I can wholeheartedly recommend Under The Sea: EARTH DESIGNS for any parents looking to stimulate their child’s imagination while bonding over a love of learning. Perfect for little ones aged two months through early childhood, this book is educational yet fun—definitely a keeper on our shelf.
For families like mine, who love science, adventure, and beautiful illustrations, this book has quickly become a cherished part of our evening routine. It reminds me why I love sharing stories with my children—it immerses them in a world of wonder and sparks the joy of discovery. I can’t wait to dive into the other books in the series as our family continues to explore the mysteries of our universe together!
Dive into delightful stories with Under The Sea: EARTH DESIGNS! >>

