Twenty years ago, my very first book was
published. Life Without Light: A Journey
to Earth’s Dark Ecosystems was a nonfiction YA title that explored the
fledgling scientific study of little-know creatures that eke out an existence
deep inside caves, around hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, on the walls of underground aquifers, and within rocky crevices deep
below our planet’s surface. My timing is was perfect, and the book was well
received. It was thrilling.
of science topics, but I’m still fascinating by creatures that live in total darkness
and rely on chemicals rather than plants as their ultimate food source. That’s
why I’m so excited to see two fantastic 2018 picture books that highlight topics I
discussed in Life Without Light.
Discover the Deep: The
Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere by
Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Katherine Roy, shares a little known story that
I included in Chapter 2 of my book. In 1930, Otis Barton and Will Beebe became
the first humans to dive into the deep sea. Crammed inside a hollow metal ball
they’d designed themselves, they bravely dealt with a leak that could have
caused them to drown and a sparking wire that could have made the bathysphere
explode. After overcoming these obstacles, Barton and Beebe descended a record-setting 800 feet and were mesmerized by the life they
discovered in inky blackness.
Rosenstock skillfully introduces
the intrepid explorers by highlighting their many differences as well as the
one thing they shared—a powerful desire to explore the deep ocean. Simple language bursting
with vivid verbs, sensory details, and clever use of repetition brings the
episode to life, allowing young readers to share the excitement. Roy’s breathtaking
art captures the drama and intrigue of the adventure as well as the beauty of
the deep ocean and its denizens.
Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN by debut author Michelle Cusolito,
illustrated by Nicole Wong, takes readers 2,500 feet below the waves to a
hydrothermal vent on the ocean floor to see many of the same amazing creatures I
described in my book 20 years ago. Back then, the cottony bacteria mats, dinner-plate-sized
clams, and giant tube worms with feathery plumes were newly discovered, but now
scientists know so much more about them.
narration and spare, precise descriptions to give readers a you-are-there
experience as the three-person vehicle descends, explores, and then returns to
the surface. Wong’s lovely digital
paintings show the deep, dark ecosystem in all its glory.
language and stunning, accurate art. I highly recommend that you buy them both
and share them together, exploring their similarities and differences in
content, artistic techniques, and writing style.
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2 Responses
Congrats on your book anniversary! I love Barb Rosenstock's work, and I've heard quite a bit about Michelle's book. Looking forward to reading both of these!
I am lucky to have read Flying Deep since Michelle is a friend, and it's a stunning debut! I can't wait to read Otis & Will either, since I'm a fan of Barb's books. So looking forward to hear upcoming book on Chagall!