ALA Booklist (Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2015)

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 asserts attract prey, to communicate, to repel predators t 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.

Horn Book

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.

School Library Journal (Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 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 captureand holdreaders' attention. Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA