Diving deep Using machines to explore the ocean

In their lyrically told follow-up to Flying Deep, Cusolito and Wong delineate various technologies used for underwater exploration, starting at the ocean's surface before heading deeper via a survey of methods and equipment. A light-brown-skinned child and parent on a snorkel outing start things off, before the narrative moves into free diving, scuba, saturation diving, atmospheric diving suits, and, finally, deep-sea submersibles. Descriptive, often alliterative text sits opposite expository sidebars featuring abridged facts, figures, and dangers for each technology ("Anyone who knows how to swim can learn to snorkel. There isn't much danger involved"). A collective first-person narration lets readers imagine themselves as explorers ("We're ocean detectives/ solving the mysteries of the deep"), while realistic, digitally rendered illustrations ferry them to the depths. Largely unlabeled depictions of fascinating underwater creatures, including giant tube worms, should pique interest about what lies below the waves, even as the book's focus remains solidly on the technologies of exploration. A summarizing spread reveals each technology at various depths; an author's note, glossary, and resource list conclude. Ages 5--8. (June)

In a follow-up to the pair's Flying Deep (rev. 7/18), Cusolito and Wong enumerate the various ways people explore the ocean. Readers learn about the methods (e.g., snorkel, free dive, scuba) and machines (deep-sea submersibles, underwater research lab materials) humans utilize to conquer the challenges of underwater observation (these being extreme pressure and the need for breathable air). The clear expository prose of the main text is accompanied by detailed sidebars that provide extensive descriptions and facts. Double-page spreads allow Wong's digital art to set the explorers, equipment, and sea life in various ocean habitats. Cusolito centers humanity's sense of wonder and desire to learn more, focusing on the "diving we do to expand scientific knowledge, research, and communication." Extensive back matter includes a helpful (though not-to-scale) spread incorporating all the diving methods and machines found throughout the book, shown in various ocean depths. A glossary, author's note, and list of resources are also included. Curious readers will dive right in. Eric Carpenter July/August 2022 p.142(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.