Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu
Published by Candlewick Studio on 2024
ISBN: 153623415X
Genres: Oceans, Nature, Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This truly unique picture book follows a lone diver who descends into the sea at night to discover a surprising underwater world and its residents. The book itself is horizontally aligned, rather than vertically, with two-page spreads that are mainly shades of black and gray, occasionally brightened by the yellow and white of the diver’s light and the full moon. The book also boasts a series of flaps that reveal further details, via both illustrations and text, about the various flora and fauna encountered during the dive. Unfortunately, this additional text is the reason why I do not consider this book a Cream-of-the-Crop nominee. The informative text is printed in a much smaller blue font on a very dark background, making it nearly illegible. Otherwise, this book is truly unusual, intriguing, and informative.

Recommended for 5-8 year olds who are interested in ocean life and diving.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library