National Geographic field guide to the water's edge

the long version

"More than 236 different plant and animal groups that you will find at the water's edge, from manatees and sharks in the ocean to algae and dragonflies in the pond; all the images and clues you need to identify your finds, including detailed descriptions of appearance, behavior, and habitat; fun facts about waterways and water creatures, such as why the oceans have tides but the Great Lakes don't, where tsunamis occur most often, how to keep a hermit crab for a pet, and much more; special 'on location' sections featuring 16 distinctive water's edge destinations throughout North America, from Barrow, Alaska, to Sanibel Island, Florida; exclusive bonus! Steve Leatherman ('Dr. Beach'), creator of the famous annual Top 10 beaches, recommends North America's 20 all-time top beaches, 10 top rivers, and 5 top Great Lakes destinations"--P. [4] of cover.