Glow

November 16, 2015
Powerful images from more than a dozen nature photographers introduce bioluminescent insects, fungi, and sea creatures. Beck (Malcolm at Midnight) pairs quiet reflections on why each animal glows (“They glow to invite. They glow to call for help”) with more detailed explanations. Some sea creatures, such as the jewel squid, camouflage themselves through “counter-illumination. They can adjust their lights so that their undersides match the sunlight above the water.” Glowworms, meanwhile, lure insect prey into a cave with their pale blue light. Set against black backdrops, the photographs are often hauntingly beautiful, and closing pages note the creatures’ habitats, actual size, and binomial nomenclature. Ages 4–7. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt Agency.

October 1, 2015
The phenomenon of bioluminescence is explored with photographs of animals that make their own light and discussion of some possible purposes for this interesting adaptation. Fireflies and fish, fungi and octopuses, squids, eels, worms, superlong siphonophores and tiny dinoflagellates are all shown in striking photographs on a black background. A two-level text allows for reading aloud or reading alone. A short sentence or two per page, in large type, introduces the phenomenon. In smaller type, animals are identified, and there's a short explanation of how they use the light they make. The backmatter reveals that most of these organisms are not glowing all over, as the undersea photographs (taken with flash) suggest, but only in some parts of the body. Thumbnail drawings show exactly which portions light up: the tip of the lure on an angler fish, the heads of the cockatoo squid and glowworm, ejections from the vampire squid and green bomber worm, the entire fox fire mushroom and brittle star. Here there are also Latin names, sizes, and where these interesting creatures can be found, on land around the world and in the ocean depths. This eye-catching introduction to a science mystery will surely make its audience want to know more. (bibliography) (Informational picture book. 6-9)

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January 1, 2016

Gr 1-4-The cover photograph of a bizarre, long-toothed fish with a personal flashlight quickly catches the eye. The stunning photographs on pure black pages with white text depict spectacular and intriguing creatures in great detail. The text is written on two levels. Simple narration about the creatures and their activities appears in a large font near the top of the page ("[Lantern fish] glow to find a friend."), while below in smaller font, there is further information on each fish, bug, and sea creature featured ("Lantern fish find other lantern fish with the lights on their side. Bioluminescence is the most widely used form of communication the planet."). Both the narrative text and the informational paragraphs introduce scientific terms and concepts. A final note explains that the photographs make many of the creatures appear larger than they are and that the use of flash negates much of the glow. Each animal is shown in a small square with its glow areas highlighted. Its common name, scientific name, dimensions, and ocean depth (in both inches and metric) are provided. VERDICT This book is sure to capture-and hold-readers' attention.-Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2015
Grades K-2 This introduction to bioluminescence for young readers takes a highly visual look at a scientific phenomenon and its uses. After a brief sampling of animals that glow ( Some glow on land; Some glow in the air ), this slim volume turns to the part of the planet that boasts the most bioluminescent animals: deep underwater. Animals glow for many reasons, Beck assertsto attract prey, to communicate, to repel predatorsbut many of those reasons still remain a mystery to scientists. This overview is an effective jumping-off point for younger readers; for those interested in learning more, extensive back matter provides more detailed information on the animals discussed, as well as a bibliography. But aspiring scientists and casual observers alike will be attracted to the layout of this volume: photographs of the various glowing creatures are suspended on a black background, creating a stark, eerie effect that will entrance readers as much as the content itself.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2017
Glossy black pages showcase striking enlarged photos of some bioluminescent species of plants and animals, mostly marine, both familiar and rare. Simple large-font text explains why they glow--to hunt, hide, trick, invite, alarm, and more--while smaller-size text identifies each pictured species and goes into greater detail about its bioluminescence. The actual sizes of the creatures are noted at the end. Bib.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)