Michael’s award-winning nonfiction books bring the underwater world to young readers with stunning photography and engaging storytelling.
These books are available for the 2026-2027 academic year and are favorites in school libraries across the country and are designed to spark curiosity, encourage reading, and inspire a love for science and conservation.
Discover the enchanting world of Florida's beloved state marine mammal in Let's Explore Manatees.
This stunning hardcover book, complete with a dust jacket, is filled with breathtaking photographs by award-winning photographer Michael Patrick O'Neill.
Part of the cherished Let's Explore series, a staple in school libraries, this book dives into the manatee's biology, habitat, endangered status, and unique bond with humans.
O'Neill's vibrant storytelling and vivid imagery captivate readers of all ages, sparking a passion for nature and a call to protect Florida's precious wildlife and wild places.
Home to a staggering variety of marine life, from the charismatic clownfish to the terrifying tiger shark, coral reefs are the largest living structures on Earth.
Visible even from space, these rich and diverse ecosystems possess unparalleled beauty and secrets we are just starting to unravel. Back in action in Let’s Explore Coral Reefs, Charlie the Crab visits these cities under the sea and explains their importance to us.
His words and message, coupled with stunning images, will whet the appetite of youngsters and stimulate them to continue learning and caring about the oceans and Earth they will inherit as adults.
Hard cover premium quality book with dust jacket and 32 pages illustrated with breathtaking images of marine animals. For ocean lovers of all ages. Dimensions 8.5 by 11 inches landscape format.
Dive – if you dare – into the wonderful world of sharks!
Let’s Explore Sharks introduces children to these mysterious and often misunderstood ocean hunters. The most feared and favorite sharks – the great white, tiger and hammerhead, among others – come to life in spectacular photographs, and fun, informative text that explain in a basic level shark biology, behavior and conservation.
Let’s Explore Sharks encourages elementary school children to read, become involved in conservation and science, and serves as an ideal springboard for classroom discussion and projects.
Hard cover premium quality book with dust jacket and 32 pages illustrated with breathtaking images of sharks and marine animals. For ocean lovers of all ages. Dimensions 8.5 by 11 inches landscape format.
The oceans’ ultimate survivors, sea turtles have changed little since the time of dinosaurs.
From the pelagic leatherback to the reef-dwelling hawksbill, these ancient mariners are perfectly designed to survive in the high seas. Let’s Explore Sea Turtles shows young explorers how remarkable these clever creatures are and highlights the most popular species.
Children learn about conservation efforts in place, and how they can make a difference protecting these adorable reptiles. Brilliantly photographed, the book is sprinkled with revealing and informative text and will inspire kids to safeguard our precious oceans.
Hard cover premium quality book with dust jacket and 32 pages illustrated with breathtaking images of marine animals. For ocean lovers of all ages. Dimensions 8.5 by 11 inches landscape format.
Meet Me Underwater, A Photographic Celebration of Florida’s Aquatic Wonders, is a retrospective of widely published and award-winning photographer Michael Patrick O’Neill’s work over the last 30 years covering the Sunshine state’s spectacular coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries and deep ocean.
“Meet Me” is dedicated to all Floridians and everyone who has a little Florida in them. Its wide range of subjects, along with breathtaking images, will capture the attention of anyone who picks up the book—fishermen, divers, or simply nature lovers.
An experienced visual storyteller, O’Neill and his team created a book with aerial, wide-angle, and close-up photos that effortlessly lead the reader from one section to the next. The light and casual text frame the stunning images and provide valuable snippets of information, especially in the opening chapter titled “Blackwater”, which concentrates on planktonic creatures photographed late at night while drifting in the Gulf Stream Current offshore Palm Beach—an experience O’Neill compares to an untethered astronaut adrift in outer space.
Hard cover premium quality book with dust jacket and 96 pages illustrated with breathtaking images of marine animals. For ocean lovers of all ages. Dimensions 8.5 by 11 inches landscape format.