Synergy: Anglerfish

Anglerfish are bony fish known for their bioluminescence that is used to lure prey. Found worldwide, anglerfish dwell on the sea floor, close to the sea floor or in the deep sea.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book, then learn more at the websites:

ANGLERFISH: THE SEADEVIL OF THE DEEP by Elaine M. Alexander and illustrated by Fiona Fogg dives 13,000 feet under the ocean to explore a primordial fish known for its teeth and bioluminescence. This informational picture book follows the life cycle of the anglerfish and concludes with additional information about its life and related fish. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

DEEP-SEA ANGLERFISH from Monterey Bay Aquarium provides an overview of the fish along with photographs, video, conservation information, and cool facts. To read the page, go to https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/deep-sea-anglerfish.

Science Magazine from YouTube provides the first footage of deep-sea anglerfish pair. To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/anDIlMVgNwk.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Marine Life

The Brilliant Abyss: Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean, and the Looming Threat That Imperils It
Helen Scales, Jul 2021, Grove/Atlantic
Themes: nature, ecosystems, marine life, oceans, deep seas

Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher’s Extraordinary World
Craig Foster & Ross Frylinck, Nov 2021, Mariner-Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Themes: nature, marine life, ecology

Whether exploring the deepest oceans or learning about life from sea creatures, new works of nonfiction are examining the natural world in new ways.

THE BRILLIANT ABYSS takes readers on a voyage of discovery revealing the mysteries of the deep ocean. Scales’ rich narrative shares fascinating information about the bizarre creatures and diverse ecology increasingly threatened by pollution, mining, and climate change.

UNDERWATER WILD examines the marine science and incredible adventures that led to the award-winning documentary MY OCTOPUS TEACHER. Through stunning photos and engaging narrative, readers learn about the authors, their personal relationships, and the sea creatures that inspire them.

Let’s explore seven timely take-aways for life-long learners:


1) Deep-diving submersibles and other new technologies have opened up a “golden era for deep-sea exploration”. While scientists have detailed maps of the moon, much of the world’s deep seabed mountain ranges remain a mystery. A 2019 study suggests that large areas of the deep seafloor aren’t rocky. Instead, they’re covered with mud that’s one to six or more miles deep.
2) Recently, photographers captured 347,000 deep sea creatures and only 1 in 5 was previously known. These creatures thrive in extreme conditions. The diversity of life in the Pacific deep sea is immense.
3) Animal illuminations have led to some surprising adaptations among life in the deep. While some creatures have adapted by making light, others have evolved ultra-black skin packed with melanin.
4) The sea is warming much more rapidly than anticipated. This heat is flowing much deeper than anticipated. The melting ice caps are reducing the salinity of the seawater.
5) Every ocean has hydrothermal vents containing endemic creatures that thrive only near these vents. These ecosystems flourish because of chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
6) In addition to climate change, plastic pollution and deep sea mining are other concerns. Deep sea sediments are filled with micro plastics that are consumed by marine life. Of particular note is the long range impact of tailings from mines.
7) From observing pyjama catshark reproduction to tracking otters, each individual creature plays an important role in the ecology of the sea. No creatures are insignificant. Simple observation shows the complexity of marine life.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Book Review: Otis and Will

OTIS AND WILL DISCOVER THE DEEP by Barb Rosenstock is a picture book exploring the record-setting dive of the bathysphere in 1930.

During his childhood, Otis Barton tried to invent a way to breath underwater. After becoming an engineer, he connected with an explorer named Will Beebe. Together they created a Bathysphere that could be used to explore the deep ocean. The picture book concludes with notes that provide additional text and photographs about this true story.

Librarians will find that the easy-to-read text and full page illustrations attract young readers to this fascinating story. Suggest this book to children who enjoy history and science. Work with teachers to integrate this fascinating story into science history. Feature this picture book with other recent publications in a display exploring underwater adventures.

Published on June 5, 2018 by LBYR, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Flying Deep

FLYING DEEP by Michelle Cusolito is an informational picture book exploring a deep-sea submersible.

In this engaging picture book, readers follow a pilot and scientists as they climb into their submersible and journey underwater for a day of scientific investigation. Young readers will be attracted to the realistic artwork and lyrical narration. Questions are woven throughout the story keeping readers active throughout.

The experience concludes with the story behind the book, an illustrator’s note, facts about the submersible, a glossary, organism list, and additional resources.

Librarians will find this book popular with children who enjoy sea exploration, science, and adventure. Integrate the book into the science curriculum and associate it with oceanography careers.

Published by Charlesbridge on May 22, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.