Ralphs, Matt. Beasts from the Deep. Kaley McKean, Illus. Nosy Crow, 05/2025. 93pp. Nonfiction. Trade $22.99. 979-8-88777-171-7. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL.
First published in the UK in 2024 in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, this describes animals that live in the deepest part of the oceans. The text begins with information on the zones of the oceans, then devotes a spread to each of the animals highlighted in the Twilight, Midnight, Abyssal, and Hadal Zones. Each profile includes four or five brief paragraphs on the animal, describing where they live, what they eat, and how they reproduce. Large, dramatic full-colored illustrations are the prominent feature of the book, almost looking like they could glow in the dark. In a few cases, there is black text on deep blue backgrounds which is difficult to read; most of the time the text is white against a dark background. Back matter includes an index and glossary. Although the information on each creature is too brief for a report, this is a solid supplementary resource and a pleasant recreational read.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool