Erik Kohlström paints the sepia-toned Baltic Sea in shimmering color

Biologist and author Erik Kohlström has created a captivating picture book, "The Wild Baltic Sea," that transforms the commonly perceived murky brown waters into a world of shimmering color and life. The book, illustrated with beautiful imagery, aims to show readers that the Baltic Sea is teeming with vibrant life, often overlooked.

Kohlström's work challenges the notion that local marine life lacks the visual appeal of tropical species. The book's cover itself showcases golden seaweed swaying against a green-shimmering fish, presenting the underwater world with striking colors that feel authentic, not artificially enhanced. The author emphasizes that the colors are present if one knows where and how to look.

"The Wild Baltic Sea" is structured into sixteen thematic chapters, each featuring an engaging title, an introductory verse, and a balanced mix of facts and detailed illustrations. The narrative begins with the formation of the Baltic Sea and concludes with a summer day at the beach, providing context for appreciating the environment.

The book is designed for young readers, starting from age three, and serves as an accessible guide to understanding the complex and often invisible marine ecosystem. It encourages children and adults alike to engage with and appreciate the natural world surrounding them, suggesting the book is an ideal companion for seaside visits.

Reviewer Martin Hellström highly recommends the book, urging readers to take it to the sea and experience the revelations Kohlström offers about the Baltic's hidden wonders. The review highlights the book's success in making the local marine environment accessible and visually appealing.