Reviews

“Mysterious and sculptural, the creatures in this arresting book are, in the oldest and best sense of the phrase, totally awesome.”
—Wall Street Journal

“Too often the more dazzling nature photographs are reserved for readers in middle grades and above. With this dual layered text, Beck invites very young listeners to enjoy the stunning view as they learn the rudiments of bioluminescence.”
—Bulletin

“A great book that will capture—and hold—readers’ attention.” —School Library Journal

“This eye-catching introduction to a science mystery will surely make its audience want to know more.” —Kirkus

“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. . . Set against black backdrops, the photographs are often hauntingly beautiful, and closing pages note the creatures’ habitats, actual size, and binomial nomenclature.” —Publishers Weekly

” . . . 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.” —Booklist

Honors and Awards

A NSTA Outstanding Trade Book for Students K-12

Junior Library Guild selection

A Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year

Garden State Book Award for Nonfiction

Grand Canyon Reader Award nominee

Illinois Monarch Award nominee

Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee

Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List

Virginia Reader's Choice nominee

North Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee

Connecticut Charter Oak Children's Book Award Nominee