WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Deep, Deep Down & Diving Deep
These two picture books beautifully highlight the fascinating world that exists at the bottom of the ocean. One book focuses on the wildlife that has been discovered living in an incredibly harsh world at the bottom of the ocean, the other book focuses on some of the remarkable technology scientists have used to make those discoveries. Combined, these two books share in amazing fashion the incredible world found in the ocean.
REVIEW
Lukidis's poetry joined with Calle's stunning illustrations make this a wonderful book that gives young readers a brief glimpse into a world that scientists are just beginning to understand. The book highlights a few of the remarkable creatures that live at different depths as a submersible descends into the Mariana Trench. Each spread contains a beautiful illustration with various wildlife and land features combined with a poem highlighting the journey. Once the submersible reaches the 21,000 feet, various animals are described. Additional information about each 'stop' on the journey and a few of the strange creatures seen along the way is presented. The book is not only an ode to the wonders of the ocean, but an informational book about some of the things scientists have learned while journeying through the ocean's layers. The back matter includes a 'map' of the layers and where the different animals live, additional information about the Mariana Trench and its importance, as well as an author's note explaining how much there still is to learn. A glossary closes out the book. The lyrical poems, crisp prose, and striking illustrations make this book a wonder in and of itself. Highly recommended.
REVIEW
"What drives humans to dive into the sea
and sink deeper than the last inkling of light?"
Diving Deep shares some of the trips scientists have taken beneath the waves in an effort to better understand the ocean and the life it contains. Why? "We're wired for wonder." The drive to know more about the world that occupies so much of earth's space has led to numerous developments in technology. Beginning with snorkeling and freediving, Lusolito introduces readers to the various ways humans have explored the ocean. Scuba diving and saturation diving come along followed by diving suits and submersibles. The reader follows the author and illustrator into the depths of the ocean through the eye-catching digital illustrations, poetic descriptions of the journey, and the sidebars of additional information about each exploring technique or device. I almost felt like I was there enjoying the wonders myself. And the reminder of why we do what we continue to study the world around us and the amazing discoveries yet to be made. The back matter is excellent including a map (not to scale because it wouldn't fit in the book otherwise) showing the various depths that the machines can travel to, an author's note, a note about measurements, a glossary, and a list of resources. A fabulous and fascinating introduction to the amazing world of the ocean and the human need to understand it. Highly recommended.
You have a very interesting and helpful blog. Continue in the same spirit.
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