Search for a giant squid Pick your path

Sibling creators Forrester (a youth services librarian) and Musser have fashioned a unique early reader that combines elements of narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, and choose-your-own-path adventures to introduce the giant squid and its habitat. Following a general introduction to squid morphology, research-expedition protocols, equipment, and team members (a wonderfully diverse crew comprising many races and abilities), readers are asked to select a pilot, a submersible, and a dive site. From there, they are directed to various pages that play out their choices. Each path contains a series of difficulties (some requiring additional choices), a discovery (shipwreck, whale fall, brine pool), a sighting of at least one squid species, and an invitation to try again for those who don't find this elusive cephalopod. The full-color cartoon artwork includes many standard nonfiction elements (labeled cutaway drawings; charts; maps; depictions of ocean creatures) as well as comic conventions (speech bubbles, panel art). Many scenes employ a dark-blue background that nicely sets off the brightly colored underwater sights. Immensely engaging, this reader packs an informational punch. And if flipping pages doesn't suit a reader's learning style, reading cover to cover will still reward young learners with many fascinating details. Generous back matter is appended to this outstanding STEM offering.

The rarely seen giant squid is pursued by a research crew in a choose-your-own-adventure--style science book. An ocean expedition sounds fun and exciting, but it takes a lot of work and a lot of people to pull it off. A large group of scientists and crew, all of whom appear to be people of color, sets out to learn more about giant squids. The book first introduces the array of workers on a research vessel, then later allows readers to select a pilot, a submersible, and a site to explore, among other options. Some dead ends lead back to earlier in the adventure. Those who make it to the end are rewarded by seeing the squid in its natural habitat. Along the way, the author, a Kirkus reviewer, informs readers about the largest squid ever (43 feet long) and the difference between a submarine and a human-occupied submersible; excitingly, readers are also told that "the giant squid's natural habitat is the twilight zone. If you tried to swim there, your body would get squished by water pressure." The friendly and fun exploration never gets too far into the science or the tools that it loses sight of the human faces driving the work with their preparation and skills. An engaging, fun, and deep guide to how sea research happens. (note from the author and illustrator, special thanks to, animals in this book (common and scientific names), glossary, further reading and websites, bibliography, random facts) (Nonfiction. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.