Synopses & Reviews
Explore the eerie world of giant squid, a creature never yet seen alive!
Plunge into the darkest depths of the ocean and discover some of the strangest, most mysterious creatures on earth: giant squid. These amazing animals have eyes as large as volleyballs, can be as long as a city bus, and may weigh up to a ton. Without living specimens, scientists have only been able to study the dead bodies of giant squid that have washed ashore or been found by fishermen and compare them with the Architeuthis duxs nearly 500 smaller relatives. These mysterious behemoths are just as strange as more commonly seen squid, only their oddities are giant-sized. With beaks, suckers, three hearts, eight arms, and rubbery bodies made almost entirely of muscle, squid are among the most fascinating inhabitants of the oceans deep. With rare and remarkable photographs and crystalline prose, Sandra Markle illuminates the world of these incredible creatures.
Review
“Markle once again weaves her magic, making speculative science real with a brief, but detailed text and stunning photographs. . . .stimulates the imagination; every page is another wow. Fascinating.” —
Kirkus Reviews“The volume is a treasure trove of facts sure to intrigue budding biologists and the merely curious to an equal degree.” —Booklist
“Exceptional full-color photos accompany the clear and concise text that often quotes researchers from the Smithsonian and around the world. . . . A first purchase. . .” —School Library Journal
Review
"An outstanding science book for the primary grades."
(Horn Book Magazine)
Review
"An outstanding science book for the primary grades."
Review
"Markle engages readers ...Well-chosen and beautifully executed full-color photographs are integrally connected to the text."
About the Author
Sandra Markle is a former elementary school science teacher who has written more than fourdozen nonfiction books for children. The books in her popular Outside and Inside series have earned several starred reviews and awards including an ALA Notable, an NCTE Best Book of the Year, and NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books. Sandra lives with her husband, in New Zealand.