Did you know that over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by ocean waters? And over half of the world’s population is estimated to live near coastal areas. Ties between humans and the global ocean are numerous and vast; they include economic, environmental, health, and spiritual links, just to name a few. The ocean is teeming with life and filled with extraordinary and mysterious creatures of all sorts that have fascinated humankind forever. It has been an inspiration to early explorers, scientists, artists, musicians, authors, and more for centuries. The ocean provokes an emotional response from most of us; the sight of the ocean stretching unendingly before us as we stand upon the shore boggles the mind, the feel of the waves on our bare feet tickles and delights us, and the sound of the ocean both comforts and energizes us. In celebration of the magic of the ocean, June has been proclaimed “National Ocean Month.” You can learn all about the ocean from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including information about estuaries, marine sanctuaries, coral reefs, and much more. And don’t forget to check out the assortment of ocean-related books listed on our WU Reads Reading Guide!