School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Astonishing full-color illustrations accompany accessible text that elaborates on the marvels to be found in Earth's oceans. The content is divided into sections that cover aquatic subjects from shallow rock pools to the deepest depths, in addition to sea forests and coral reefs. Most of the organisms described will be unfamiliar to readers, such as diatoms, bryozoan, and foraminifera, as well as more well-known life-forms, such as octopuses, sea horses, and kelp. Microscopic close-ups exhibit the beauty and wonder of these creatures in great detail. Each subject is identified by its Latin and common name, size, and location. Also noted are unusual behaviors, habits, and habitats as well as role in the ecosystem. The magnificent diversity of the seas, the variety of patterns and shapes, and the utter beauty of these amazing creatures are well served by Taylor's artwork and will invite readers to further explore marine life. An adequate bibliography and suggested websites for further information are helpful for curious students. VERDICT Stunning close-up illustrations make this a valuable addition to any science or animal collection.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Baker and Taylor take readers from the ocean's shallows to its deepest depths as they highlight singular or little-known aquatic creatures. Over five chapters, Baker introduces each species with vibrant details ("The calcified bumps on the sea horse's skin match the color and shape of the sea fan's polyps-the perfect camouflage"), accompanied by trivia and biological information. Taylor's gauzy and dramatic illustrations depict the creatures as if looking at them through a microscope or magnifying glass. A queen parrot fish's jewel-toned scales become a kind of abstract painting; the ornate skeletons of radiolarians "have inspired scientists, architects, painters, and sculptors." A dazzlingly illustrated look at creatures unusual and often unseen. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Separated into five sections by ocean layer, the large square volume showcases a variety of unusual creatures and organisms in "one of the least understood places on the planet." Each life form's spread provides brief facts (including Latin name and size), a paragraph of interesting information, and a larger-than-life mixed-media illustration that zooms in to show intricate designs and focus on the unusual. Websites. Bib. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
The introduction accurately states that "this book shines a light on a few of the extraordinary creatures that live beneath the waves."The Table of Contents, in large type over a watery background that sports a few sea creatures, lists five sections, including "In the Shallows," "Coral Gardens," and "Into the Deep." Each section contains double-page spreads of dramatic artworkoften of images of blown-up microscopythat cannot help but draw readers in. Has a 1/8-inch daphnia ever looked so winsome, or have fish gills ever seemed so beautiful? The format of the text is clear and accessible. Each spread's organismor group of organismsshows a common name, Latin name, size, and brief description. There follow a few short paragraphs with more information, some of which emphasize the importance of all members of ecosystems: "Herbivores like the parrotfish help to prevent the reef from becoming choked by algae." Readers will recognize a few of the highlighted creatures, but it is refreshing to find so many less-than-popular organisms getting some attention. In fact, there are no pages devoted to marine mammals, which arguably also live beneath the waves. Such terms as "bioluminescent," "polyps," and "symbiotic" have adequate explanations, but others, including "cephalopod," "crustacean," and "prehensile," may have readers searching in vain for a glossary. Art, text, and layout create a pleasing combination for a science shelf or a coffee table. (selected bibliography) (Informational picture book. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This enchantingly illustrated picture book for middle-grade readers introduces some fascinating sea life and a variety of their habitats. Each chapter highlights a particular environment, opening with a brief, atmospheric description of the setting and then showcasing individual denizens close-up, accompanied by their average size, behaviors, and Latin name, as well as related factoids, such as their role in the ecosystem. For example, creatures residing In the Shallows range from crustaceans to the bioluminescent, single-celled sea sparkle. Other chapters focus on kelp forests, coral reefs, and open waters, concluding with the deep ocean. Descriptive, vivid prose nicely counterbalances the scientific information, while the luminous mixed-media renderings, ranging from striking full-color spreads to enlarged images of microscopic organisms, emphasize the beauty and wonder of sea life. While an index and glossary would have been helpful for the sometimes-sophisticated vocabulary, there's much to intrigue and inform, all while providing a vivid sense of the vibrancy, diversity, and interconnectedness of aquatic life. Includes a bibliography of print and online sources. Browser-friendly and informative.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2017 Booklist
