School Library Journal Starred Review (Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 24 If you've reeled in a Football Fish in Animal Crossing, you have likely been curious about this bizarre breed. The anglerfish is best distinguished by a bioluminescent orb dangling from its forehead and its very long, very sharp teeth. This book explains the life cycle, environment, and unconventional mating habits of these deep-water denizens, who spend the majority of their life in the ocean's "midnight zone," a place where light does not reach. Each page features clear and concise text well-placed onto the strikingly illustrated pages. The book follows one anglerfish during its life cycle. Born at the ocean's surface, the fish dives to its deepest depths as it grows, and Fogg's artwork beautifully illustrates each segment. The ocean's surface is bright blue, and the bottom is pitch black, lit only by the anglerfish's bioluminescent orb. Most pages feature full-bleed spreads, although some incorporate comic-like panels to convey action and movement. The anglerfish is drawn realistically, but with added cartoon eyes giving it the ability to emote. Because the life of an ocean creature is dangerous, that emotion is typically fear. Monkfish, jellyfish, crabs, and other sea life appear in Fogg's friendly style. Illustrated back matter provides additional detail about all aspects of the anglerfish, such as the wild reason females can be five times as large as the males. A glossary and index are also provided. VERDICT An appropriately in-depth look at one of Earth's odder aquatic creatures, this book is a must-have for every nonfiction collection.Chance Lee Joyner

ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Alexander probes the depths of the ocean in this fantastically illustrated study of anglerfish. The book follows a female anglerfish (only females grow the distinctive glowing lure and fierce jaws) from her time as a small fry near the ocean's surface through her growth and descent to the midnight zone, where she captures prey, finds a mate, and spawns. Fogg mixes full- and double-page illustrations with panel artwork to capture details and drama of the anglerfish's life, and other deep-sea creatures make appearances, as well. The narrative text reads like a story, though occasionally flowery turns of phrase cloud its meaning. The illustrations and detailed back matter, which delves into ocean zones and the anglerfish's lifecycle, should clear up any lingering confusions for the reader, however. Readers will glean a lot of fascinating information about this curious creature, especially the unique relationship between males and females d their dramatically different appearances. This will be a solid addition to marine-life science units and introductions to bioluminescence.

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The menacing protagonist, Anglerfish, lurks in the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean, luring prey with her distinctive lantern-like appendage, then finishing them off with her mouthful of sharp teeth. Alexander explains how anglerfish themselves begin life as prey: eggs develop near the surface, small and exposed, and the baby fish dodge hazards such as birds, human fishing nets, and sea creatures. Those that survive grow large enough to descend to the ocean floor. Fogg's exceptional digital illustrations capture the contrasts; a cute, young, goggle-eyed fry, floating in the lighter blue shallow seas surrounded by her egg jelly, becomes the dangerous seadevil darting across inky pages, sweeping that harsh light back and forth as if the reader could be her next meal. If this isn't fearsome enough, just wait until Alexander describes the fish's mating sequence, which does not end well for the male of the species. Appended are a glossary, an index, and a "More About Anglerfish" section that provides additional information on ocean zones, various fish adaptations in low-light environments, hunting behaviors, and other species.

Kirkus Reviews

The fascinating life cycle of a fearsome fish is examined.After starting life as a tiny egg, a baby anglerfish hatches near the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. The expressive young creature dodges predators and fishing nets and develops over the years. The seadevil, a type of deep-sea anglerfish, is known for the distinctive glowing "fishing pole" that grows between its eyes as the fish matures and makes its home in deep waters. The survival of this truly bizarre-looking fish is illustrated in shadowy montages that are at once eerie and charming. Eventually, the solitary adult anglerfish meets a mate and releases countless eggs to begin a new generation. The narrative explores the anglerfish's intriguing existence in detail without becoming overly dense. Interesting tidbits (for example, the anglerfish can swallow prey twice its size) abound. A few scientific terms, like bioluminescent and midnight zone, are seamlessly integrated into the text, allowing readers to decode their meaning with ease. The backmatter provides more in-depth information about the species, its adaptations, and its mating habits. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A fun and creepy fish tale brimming with scientific appeal. (glossary) (Informational picture book. 5-9)