Underwater Oddities Complete Set
Reading Level Grade 3Interest Level Grades 2 – 5
Reviewed Reading Level Grade 3Interest Level Grades 2 – 5
ReviewedColorful peacocks pack a punch, frilly sharks flatten themselves against the sand, and leafy dragons blend in with the underwater forest. The ocean is filled with underwater oddities. Explore some of the most interesting, peculiar, and downright bizarre life below the waves. Then, learn about the incredible scientists studying these wonderful underwater oddballs. Let’s dive in!
High-interest organisms that lean into the strange and unusual are the draw here. Photographs of well-known deep-sea creatures are included alongside lesser-known organisms like the sailor’s eyeball algae. The term underwater is often connected to deep sea, but in these titles readers encounter mangrove forests and other not-so-deep places. Chapters are relatively short and look at how the species in focus are interconnected in their respective ecosystems. Oddities is in the name, but there is a seriousness in the text that balances out the sometimes wacky images. VERDICT: These titles will appeal to readers who are interested in the weird and sometimes gross parts of science.
School Library Journal
Most of the intriguing creatures in this series will be unfamiliar to most kids. Each title begins with a brief introduction to the broad grouping, followed by seven fact-filled spreads, each covering a different species. The main text describes one or two especially unique qualities, such as the stripes and spots of the zebra shark. Smaller text boxes often address other aspects; parrotfish facts, for instance, touch on size, coloration, and group behavior. Most spreads feature one large image and two insets that capture the uniqueness of the animals. Yellow seahorses can change their color, so photos depict examples that are orange-, yellow-, and purple-tinted. Other sources will be needed for more in-depth species facts: readers may wonder why sawfish are grouped with rays, for example, but these serve as appealing and effective introductions. VERDICT: Excellent choices for browsers that also extend subject coverage.
School Library Journal
