Giant Squid

Fleming and Rohmann (Bulldozer's Big Day) draw readers in to the ocean's murky depths in search of a seldom-seen creature. Tips of arms and tentacles reach up from the bottom of the first page; more reddish-white appendages appear in subsequent scenes until the cephalopod they belong to is announced on the title page. Much of the giant squid's existence is a mystery, but Fleming pieces together what is known using vivid free verse and near rhyme: "With writhing arms/ and ghostly, lidless eyes/ they glide." Focusing on each of the squid's body parts separately, the lyrical narrative evokes a nature documentary ("Here are its tentacles, / two, / curling and twisting and thirty feet long, / waiting for--/ a passing fish.../ another squid.../ anything swimming by"). Rohmann's rich images place the squid against a shadowy blue-green backdrop, and the entire animal is only revealed in a penultimate double gatefold, appearing out of an expansive cloud of gray ink. The assembling of this creature from its parts to the whole, through both pictures and poetry, will captivate audiences young and old. Ages 6-10. Agent: Ethan Ellenberg, Ethan Ellenberg Agency. (Sept.)

Gr 2-4--Through engrossing, informative verse, Fleming artfully introduces readers to a mysterious sea monster that glides through the deepest and darkest reaches of the ocean. Although some species of giant squid are as large as a bus, these animals are rarely spotted by people. Scientists have been able to gather clues and assemble a body of knowledge about the unusual cephalopod from pieces washed up on shore or found by fishermen. In a similar fashion, Fleming reveals characteristics of the squid piece by piece, beginning with a description of its 30-foot-long tentacles. She shares what little is known about the squid and raises many yet-to-be answered questions: Why does the squid change colors? Where does the female lay her eggs? As the narrative reaches a conclusion, the squid jets away from a predatory barracuda and disappears into a murky cloud of ink. Rohmann's full-color paintings are eerily atmospheric. Bit by bit, each illustration focuses on a particular part of the sea creature until the entire squid is portrayed in a dramatic foldout spread. VERDICT Curious readers will be inspired by the engaging text and stunning illustrations to learn more about the giant squid. An essential purchase for science collections.--Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston

"Visually marvelous, like its subject."—Kirkus Reviews

"The artwork is marvelous; the murky blues and blacksof the ocean make it easy to appreciate how hard it has been for scientists and sailors to see the elusive squid—and how startling it must be when that enormous "ghostly, lidless" eye appears."— The Horn Book, starred review

"Curious readers will be inspired by the engaging text and stunning illustrations to learn more about the giant squid. An essential purchase for science collections."—School Library Journal, starred review

"The assembling of this creature from its parts to the whole, through both pictures and poetry, will captivate audiences young and old."—Publishers Weekly, starred review