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Real-Life Sea Monsters, by Jango-Cohen (illustrated by Ryan Durney) is an easy reader that’s part of First Avenue Editions’ On My Own Science Line. Even though it’s an easy reader, the word choice is fabulous. The poetic introduction begins, "Once upon a time, sailors whispered strange stories…They warned of creatures that whipped waves into storms…They spoke of sea serpents with sharp fangs and bloodred eyes…"
The entire book isn’t that alliterative, but vivid words and simple sentences combine for a terrific easy reader. An italicized fictional scene is shown on one spread, followed by several pages of standard type explaining what creature is likely behind the myth. Kids will get plenty of facts here. The kraken/giant squid and mermaid/manatee linkings are common, but the sea serpent/oarfish one was new to me. What a fun book–great for kids learning to read, reluctant readers, and kids interested in scary, high-drama topics. Luminous art of the creatures is fabulous (I’m not so enamored of Durney’s people, though). Overall, two thumbs up! |
Check out Anastasia Suen’s Nonfiction Monday roundup.