Giant Squid

Scientists have long searched for evidence of the elusive giant squid in Earth's oceans. This nonfiction book chronicles the history of giant squid research and observation, from ancient myths to modern discoveries. The text follows multiple scientific expeditions and researchers in their quest to document and understand these deep-sea creatures. Through photographs, historical illustrations, and detailed descriptions, readers learn about giant squid anatomy, behavior, and habitat. The narrative structure alternates between factual scientific information and the stories of encounters with these mysterious animals. These parallel threads combine modern marine biology with historical accounts spanning hundreds of years. The book demonstrates how scientific knowledge builds over time through observation, evidence gathering, and evolving technology. This exploration of the giant squid serves as a lens into humanity's drive to understand the unknown.

Readers highlight the book's ability to build suspense through glimpses and hints before revealing the giant squid. Teachers and librarians note its effectiveness for reading aloud to elementary students. Likes: - Eric Rohmann's dark, atmospheric illustrations - Scientific accuracy while maintaining narrative flow - Back matter with detailed squid facts and research history - Format that mimics the mysterious nature of spotting squids - Text that reads like poetry but incorporates real science Dislikes: - Some young children found the dark images scary - A few readers wanted more detailed scientific information - Price point considered high for page count Ratings: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (190+ ratings) Several teachers mentioned using it successfully for science units. Multiple reviewers compared it favorably to "Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster" by Mary Cerullo, noting Fleming's version better captures young readers' attention.

Octopus Scientists by Sy Montgomery Marine biologists work to study and document wild octopuses in French Polynesia through encounters and research.

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery A naturalist's observations merge with scientific research to reveal octopus intelligence and behavior through experiences at the New England Aquarium.

Squid Empire by Danna Staaf The evolution and history of cephalopods unfolds through fossil records and scientific discoveries spanning millions of years.

The Octopus: The Most Mysterious Creature in the Sea by Katherine Harmon Courage Research from scientists and aquarists presents octopus capabilities, behaviors, and biological adaptations through field studies and laboratory observations.

Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us by James Nestor Scientists and researchers dive into ocean depths to study marine creatures and gather data about sea life behavior and communication.

🦑 Scientists once believed giant squid corpses that washed ashore were actually sea monsters - it wasn't until 1857 that Danish zoologist Japetus Steenstrup proved they were actually squid. 🎨 Author Candace Fleming collaborated with artist Eric Rohmann, who created the book's dramatic illustrations using oil paintings - the same artistic medium used by many early naturalists in their scientific drawings. 🌊 The first photographs of a living giant squid weren't captured until 2004, and the first video footage wasn't recorded until 2012, making it one of the last major sea creatures to be documented alive. 📚 The book won the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor in 2017, recognizing it as one of the most distinguished informational books for children published that year. 🔬 Giant squid eyes can grow to be the size of dinner plates (up to 16 inches in diameter) - the largest eyes of any known animal on Earth.