Atlantic Ocean

I feel the warm sun on my face all day long. Little fish tickle my sides as they swim and play hide-and-seek in my waves. Swish, swoosh, splash. That is the sound I make when I dance on the sandy shore. I am like a giant, sparkling blue blanket tucked between big, green lands. So many happy animals call me home. Dolphins leap and play tag, and big, gentle whales sing deep, quiet songs. I love to watch them splash. I am the Atlantic Ocean, and I am full of wonder and happy secrets.

Long, long ago, people who lived on one side of me did not know about the friends who lived on the other side. They were so far apart. But some people were very brave. First, friends called Vikings came in long boats to say hello. Then, much later, a brave man named Christopher Columbus wanted to see what was on the other side of my big blue water. On October 12th, 1492, he sailed his ships across me. It was a big adventure to find new places and make new friends. I gently rocked his boats to help him on his way.

Today, I am still a busy, happy ocean. Big boats float on my back, carrying yummy bananas and fun toys from one home to another. And deep down, where the sleepy fish dream, special lines run across my floor. They are like secret tunnels that carry happy birthday songs and warm hellos between families who live far away. I will always be here to connect the world, a big blue bridge for friends, and a safe, sparkling home for all my wonderful sea creatures.