From the Publisher
The fascinating life cycle of a fearsome fish is examined. . . . A few scientific terms, like bioluminescent and midnight zone, are seamlessly integrated into the text, allowing readers to decode their meaning with ease. . . . A fun and creepy fish tale brimming with scientific appeal.
—Kirkus Reviews
Fogg’s exceptional digital illustrations capture the contrasts; a cute, young, googly-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.
—The Horn Book
Alexander probes the depths of the ocean in this fantastically illustrated study of anglerfish. . . . Readers will glean a lot of fascinating information about this curious creature.
—Booklist
It might not be fair to judge a book by its cover, but the arresting cover of 'Anglerfish,' with the needle-toothed creature about to chomp down on the title, is a wonderful encapsulation of this entertaining biography of a deep-sea terror. . . . It’s fascinating from beginning to end — and a bit nightmarish, in a good way.”
—The Virginian Pilot
An appealing science book; Alexander fills it with fascinating facts about anglerfish and the deep sea. Its pacing is smart; the choices around composition, including the occasional use of vertical panels, add a specific visual pacing and rhythm to the anglerfish’s tale. Fogg’s illustrations bring the darkest part of the deep sea to life with accuracy, drama, and a visual richness.
—Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
School Library Journal
★ 06/03/2022
Gr 2–4—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
Kirkus Reviews
2022-02-09
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)
