Norbert Wu
Earlier this year, my husband and I, were on a ship traveling around South America and Antarctica which included a visit to what is commonly called Iceberg Alley. Our ship was carrying supplies to drop off at Palmer Station one of the U.S. facilities in Antarctica. In return, the station sent members of its staff to our ship to give passengers a recap of the station’s activities—research and experiments—and to describe what life is like both in summer and winter in this incredibly desolate environment. Of course desolate is in the eyes of the beholder, since Antarctica teems with aquatic life.
It was my good fortune to be on a ship that was also picking up several people who had been at Palmer Station on specific assignments. One of those individuals was Norbert Wu, famed underwater photographer and author and/or contributor to more than 17 books for children and young adults. His books bring sea creatures and plants of all kinds, as well as their underwater habitats, to eye-popping life, such as Creeps from the Deep: Life in the Deep Sea, A City under the Sea, and Under Antarctic Ice. What makes his books so attractive, aside from the spectacular photography, is the addition of factual information that appeals to readers of any age. Critics have praised Wu's ability, through his photography, to grab the attention of young readers and perhaps inspire others to not only take an interest in this vast underwater realm, but to consider careers related to the oceans and ocean life. Norbert feels very strongly that we must work to preserve the worlds oceans and its plant and sea life.
Norbert and his assistant, both divers, have been to Antarctica several times and this was the second year of a three year project. Previously, he was awarded National Science Foundation (NSF) Artists and Writers Grants in 1997, 1999, and 2000 to document wildlife and research underway in Antarctica. In 2000, he was awarded the Antarctica Service Medal of the United States of America "for his contributions to exploration and science in the U.S. Antarctic Program." His films include a pioneering high-definition television (HDTV) program featuring Antarctic's underwater world for Thirteen/WNET, New York's Nature series that airs on PBS.
Norbert had previously worked at the other U.S. station, McMurdo, where he spent three seasons. He noted that “It is a much bigger facility than Palmer has a very different climate.” I learned from him that Palmer does not have a decompression chamber for divers, so Norbert has to be extremely conscientious with his dives. There is also a temperature difference in the water between Palmer and McMurdo with the latter being colder. Norbert remarked that he has to be very careful because he can be lulled into thinking he is elsewhere because the sun is out and it looks like California (underwater one assumes), but of course it isn’t.
One of his current projects is the creation of an on-line field guide to Antarctica that would be appealing to both a scientist and the layman. His tour at Palmer in 2009 will add to this guide. Also, Norbert has worked on a story about women scientists working in Antarctica to encourage greater participation by women in the appropriate scientific disciplines. WomenInAntarctica.com, a website produced by video journalist Mary Lynn Price, presents some of the short video portraits of women working in Antarctica created during the 2008 Austral Spring and Summer Seasons. Norbert’s photography is a part of this site.
Most of Norbert’s work is based on grants and 25% has come from the National Science Foundation. During the first ten years of his career, Norbert financed his work himself and during this period he wrote his books for children. These days he is filling out his photographic library. From a season like this one he may return home with the equivalent of 500 rolls of film. He told me that he is a “Mac” person and does a lot of the editing of his images himself. He uses Filemaker to create a database so he can keep track of his images. His large library of images is also backed up and stored off site. As an interesting aside, he was hired by Apple to consult on Aperture—during his six months of consulting he made many suggestions to make Aperture more user friendly and a better product.
Norbert’s current task is to write the stories accompanying all the digital imagery that he has created. These images represent 100s of hours in the water. The recent decline in magazines that feature the types of articles he writes along with the beautiful images has made it more difficult to market his work. National Geographic is still one to consider as is The Smithsonian and some European publications.
Norbert has a fascinating background. He was born in California in 1961. As a young child Norbert wanted to be a marine biologist, even though he actually grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where his father, who was originally from China, worked as an aerospace engineer. Norbert went to Stanford where he obtained a degree in engineering in 1983. His first job was computer-aided engineering simulation. However, he still managed to pursue his interest in aquatic wildlife by working as a research diver at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Republic of Panama. There he learned how to really use a waterproof camera. While working on his master's degree, Norbert also began exhibiting his photographs at Stanford, winning an "Our-World-Underwater" scholarship.
Norbert later he went to the Scripps Institute and began work on his PhD which he did not finish. He wanted to be a marine biologist, but he was derailed by Howard Hall—director of underwater IMAX films such as Island of the Sharks. He truly enjoys the direction his career has taken and has great friends among the professors at Scripps, and for the last 10 years he has resided in Monterey. Norbert was awarded a Pew Marine Conservation Fellowship, the world's most prestigious award in ocean conservation and outreach. Also, he was named "Outstanding Photographer of the Year" for 2004 by the North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA), the highest honor an American nature photographer can be given by his peers.
As previously noted it was in, 1991, with Life in the Oceans, that Norbert broke into the world of children’s books. According to Frances E. Millhouser of School Library Journal, this book is "fabulous for browsing." Norbert’s second book, Beneath the Waves, aims "to help children discover beauty and life in a world they may otherwise not know at all," according to the author/photographer. Fish Faces, explores a wide variety of fish in breathtaking pictures and a text geared to a much younger audience than his previous books. One of my personal favorites, A City under the Sea: Life in a Coral Reef for older elementary-aged readers, covers a day and a night, and presents photos of inhabitants of a coral reef: anemones, a butterfly fish, cleaner shrimp, cowrie snails, an octopus, a turtle and a manta ray. One of his more recent children's book (with text by Jim Mastro), Antarctic Ice, was selected as an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the Children's Book Council (CBC).
Also, I learned that divers often get seasick, and Norbert is not immune. Our original interview was rescheduled to accommodate the time needed for his seasick medicine to take effect. Interestingly, he told me that this does not happen on the zodiacs which are used to transport the divers. This came up again in an interview with American Way, when one of the interviewers asked “You've endured long, cold hours, seasickness, and travel to the farthest reaches of the globe to document marine conservation issues. Why?” To which Norbert replied “People protect what they know and love. Unfortunately, the world's oceans and their problems are not familiar to most people, and so they're ignored. I'm hoping I can help bridge this lack of awareness and help people understand the beauty, importance, and fragility of our oceans. Photographs can be powerful tools.”
Just take the time to read some of the books reviewed below and you too will see what a powerful tool photography can be.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Antarctic Ice
Jim Mastro and Norbert Wu
Photographed by Norbert Wu
Beautiful photographs help young readers visualize the abundance of life above and below the surface of the Antarctic Ocean and its ice sheet. This book focuses on food webs and the exchange of energy in this harsh and fragile habitat, stressing the importance of photoplankton and algae. This enhances students' understanding as they read about more familiar organisms like seals, whales, and penguin. The content is suitable for a wide range of students from primary students (who might create food webs from the photos and listening) to upper elementary and middle school readers. The book would also be a great place to start for group projects on biomes. This book was selected as a CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book. 2003, Henry Holt/Macmillan, Ages 5 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: CBC Reviewer (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)).
Best Books:
- Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2005; National Science Teachers Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
- Cochecho Readers' Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
ISBN: 0-8050-6517-2
ISBN: 978-0-8050-6517-6
Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Hidden World of the Kelp Forest
Norbert Wu
Beautiful pictures and interesting text combine to make this a fascinating study of the kelp forest. From colorful invertebrates to cute little otters, here's a thorough view of the variety of life occurring in this hidden world. Jellyfish, limpets, sea stars, colorful fish, octopi, and all sorts of other creatures are described. There's a complete glossary and index to help find and understand things. Even though it's short, this book is so beautiful, that it's definitely worth the investment. 1992, Chronicle, Ages 10 to 12, $6.95. Reviewer: J. Cook (Parent Council Volume 6).
ISBN: 0-8118-1808-X
ISBN: 978-0-8118-1808-7
A City under the Sea: Life in a Coral Reef
Norbert Wu
A sea turtle seeks a place to lay her eggs and, as she swims through the coral reef, other sea creatures come into view. Facts and plenty of colorful photos depict this haven for coral, sponges, and fish. It is an underwater tour that is bound to make readers think about the future of coral reefs and the necessity for reef conservation. 1996, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- American Booksellers Pick of the Lists, Spring, 1996; American Booksellers Association; United States
- Annual Best Children's Science Book List, 1996; Science Books & Films; United States
- Science Books for Young Readers, 1996; American Scientist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
- John Burroughs List of Nature Books for Young Readers, 1996 Winner United States
ISBN: 0-689-31896-0
ISBN: 978-0-689-31896-2
Creeps from the Deep
Leighton Taylor
Photographed by Norbert Wu
A gorgeous book about scary-looking creatures of all shapes and sizes who make their home underwater, this is sure to be a hit with the "Ooh!" and "Yuck!" crowd. The fascinating facts are presented in a lively tone and include chapters on water pressure, diving subs, and the topography of the ocean floor. One section deals with "Deep-Sea Matchmaking" and details how certain anglerfish literally stick together from the time of mating for the rest of their lives. Imagine the mock horror that will engender! 1997, Chronicle, Ages 8 to 11, $13.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-8118-1297-9
ISBN: 978-0-8118-1297-9
Fish Faces
Norbert Wu
Fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors swim across the pages in this vivid exploration of life beneath the sea. Entrancing underwater photographs capture dozens of different fish in motion, from the graceful southern stingray to the unforgettable fully-inflated guinea fowl puffer. Simple descriptive statements mark notable features about the fish pictured on each set of pages ("Fish that glide on fins like wings", "Spotted fish / dotted fish"). The species appearing page by page are identified in a "Notes" section at the end of the book. 1993, Henry Holt/Macmillan, Ages 6-8, $15.95. Reviewer: CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 1993).
Best Books:
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
ISBN: 0-8050-1668-6
ISBN: 978-0-8050-1668-0
The Indian Ocean
Leighton Taylor
Photographed by Norbert Wu
Each of the books in this new series, "Life in the Sea," offers excellent photographs and a straightforward text about the major body of water noted in the title. The Indian Ocean, which is quite warm, is an excellent place for coral reefs. They teem with marine life and Wu captures the glorious colors of the plant and animal life in his photographs. The unusual cat shark with markings like a leopard and the zebra horn shark are just a few of the unusually patterned and colored fish. The pictures have the quality of a National Geographic article and the entire series would make a great addition to a school or classroom library. A glossary, short bibliography and index are included. 1999, Blackbirch, Ages 7 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5671-1242-0
ISBN: 978-1-5671-1242-9
Octopuses
Leighton Taylor
Photographed by Norbert Wu
Octopuses, a well-written and readable book for early elementary students, provides informational reading at a second-grade level and high interest content to extend the book’s range. The author provides much evidence to support the idea that the octopus is a unique, fascinating, and intelligent animal. Attractive photos and large type make the book a natural for new or reluctant readers. The clear, concise text answers many of the questions that young children usually ask about animals. Like other books in the Early Bird Nature series, Octopuses supports the development of reading strategies for primary students. On the first page, “Be a Word Detective” introduces nine words about octopuses that can be found in the text. This word bank provides confidence in reading and helps students respond in a written or oral report. The words could also be used in concept mapping. Other challenging words are supported in context and defined in the glossary, while photos illustrate the concepts on each page. For example, detailed photographs show how the octopus captures and eats its prey. A diagram of the octopus clearly labels all the parts of the octopus’s body. “On Sharing a Book” contains information that is useful for both teachers and parents. This section provides practical advice about helping children extract the main ideas from the text, including a list of questions that adults can ask as they read the book with a child and a brief explanation about how to encourage children to use the index and glossary. The end of this section suggests activities and field trips. The author encourages young readers to get together with some friends to pretend they are a four-headed octopus. The author also suggests that readers use a plunger to demonstrate how the octopus holds onto objects with the suckers on its tentacles. Octopuses is useful as a tool for integrating science content with reading strategies or for supporting a unit on the ocean or diversity in the animal kingdom. This book is well written, accurate, and very informative. 2002, Lerner Publications, Ages 5 to 10, $23.93. Jennifer Mariano (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)).
Best Books:
- Best Books for Children, 2003; Science Books & Films; United States
- Top 10 Animal Series for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
ISBN: 0-8225-0068-X
ISBN: 978-0-8225-0068-1
The Red Sea
Leighton Taylor
Photographed by Norbert Wu
Each of the books in this new series, "Life in the Sea," offers excellent photographs and a straightforward text about the major body of water noted in the title. The Red Sea is not very large but in the middle it does reach depths of more than a mile. It is a warm and salty sea and due to the huge coral reefs and the variety of fish, the Red Sea is a scuba diver's paradise. The pictures of the fish and the beautiful corals have the quality of a National Geographic article and the entire series would make a great addition to a school or classroom library. A glossary, short bibliography and index are included. 1999, Blackbirch, Ages 7 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5671-1245-5
ISBN: 978-1-5671-1245-0
Scholastic Encyclopedia of Animals
Laurence Pringle
Photographed by Norbert Wu
From alligators to zebras, this beautiful book highlights 140 amazing animals. Most of the animals featured are familiar zoo or neighborhood animals. Each of the mammals, fish, insects, birds or amphibians is featured in a full-color photograph and is spelled phonetically to aid in pronunciation. Most of the profiles are a full page of interesting facts and figures. Arranged alphabetically, each entry describes the physical characteristics, behaviors and habitats of each species. A glossary and index are also included, making this tremendous reference tool easy to navigate. Adults and children alike are often fascinated about the many unique creatures in the world around us. This book offers children a way of finding out about those animals and would be a fantastic reference book for the elementary science classroom. 2001, Scholastic, Ages 6 to 12, $17.95. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-590-52253-1
ISBN: 978-0-590-52253-3
Added 08/25/09
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