The Strangest Thing in the Sea: And Other Curious Creatures of the Deep

by Rachel Poliquin (Author) Byron Eggenschwiler (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
An intriguing look at some very strange creatures in the sea --- but which is the strangest? A feathery tutu dancing through the water? A tiptoeing rock wearing a wig? A mountain of skulls on the ocean floor? Not everything is quite as it seems in this fascinating exploration of 12 bizarre and little-known sea animals. Each creature is introduced with an imaginative first-person depiction of its appearance, accompanied by an artistic interpretation and the question, "Am I the strangest thing in the sea?" Then, open the gatefold, and an illustration and full description of the actual creature in its habitat are revealed, along with the tantalizing answer that, no, this is not the strangest thing in the sea. That is, until the last creature, which is the strangest. But what could it be? The question-and-answer approach and gatefolds in this innovative and engaging book of wonderfully weird sea creatures are sure to pique children's curiosity and encourage scientific inquiry. Rachel Poliquin has included a range of the very oddest sea creatures --- the yeti crab, goblin shark and vampire squid, to name a few --- and she provides unique, interesting and quirky information about each as well as their size, prey, habitat and depth. Award-winning illustrator Byron Eggenschwiler's beautiful art gives the entire book an otherworldly feel, as all the creatures seem to be fantastically imagined. The material aligns with elementary life sciences curriculum: animal adaptations and characteristics, evolution, ecology, habitats, ecosystems, biodiversity and food webs. A final gatefold shows all the creatures together. Includes a glossary.
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Hardcover
$19.99

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 2-4--Twelve astoundingly strange sea creatures are featured in this quirky picture book. Each is introduced with a first-person riddlelike statement about its appearance, followed by a fanciful version of the creature described. These versions are sometimes based on mythology--like the Hairy Frog Fish, compared to a witchlike figure, and the vampire squid, compared to a vampire--or are just plain silly, which kids will enjoy. These are accompanied by the question: "Am I the strangest thing in the sea?" A gatefold reveals a more realistic illustration of the creature in its habitat, along with the response, no, this is not the strangest thing in the sea. Statistics are shared: size, prey, habitat, and depth. Poliquin explains how their physical and special features help the creatures survive. After all of the amazing facts are told from the creatures' perspective, readers are left to ponder: What could possibly top all of them? Kids will be anxious to find out. A murky palette of blues, greens, and browns reflect the ocean setting, but pops of yellow and pink add just the right amount of interest. Back matter consists of a visual summary of the contents and a glossary. VERDICT A highly recommended, engaging, and accessible title that entertains and informs.--Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Rachel Poliquin
Rachel Poliquin is a writer and curator with a background in visual arts, cultural history and natural history. Rachel has also written for the Believer Magazine and the New York Times. Rachel lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Byron Eggenschwiler is an illustrator whose work has been featured in the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal and GQ. He lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781771389181
Lexile Measure
870
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Kids Can Press
Publication date
October 05, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF051150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Zoology
JNF003150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Marine Life
JNF001000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Activity Books
Library of Congress categories
Marine animals
Illustrated works

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