Lu, Thea. Dive, Dive into the Night Sea. Thea Lu, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-3415-2. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
Opening horizontally, lush double-page spreads explore the night sea. Soft layers of gray and black ink wash are rubbed back to white, or touched with gold and coral, where the moonlight, or the beam of a diver’s flashlight, illuminates the inky depths. Simple words and emphatic directions guide readers’ exploration, encouraging discovery. On every spread, generous flaps open to reveal hidden creatures. A paragraph of small-font text provides intriguing facts and context. Dreamlike, beautiful, and scientifically strong, read this to animal lovers, to spark interest in the ocean, or simply enjoy as an excellent bedtime read.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired