Review by Booklist Review
A compelling combination of lyrical, mysterious text and illustrated scenes featuring a spelunking family draws readers into a variety of caves around the world, from the crystal-filled Cueva de los Cristales in Mexico to the Wakulla--Leon Sinks underwater cave system in Florida to the Undara lava tubes in Australia. Once the family is at the edge of or deep inside a cave, text in a larger font--"Do you dare?" "Cannonball!" "High five!"--announces a surprise. Descriptive paragraphs provide more information about each type of cave and its special features or historical significance, such as the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, where the only light comes from bioluminescent glowworms on the ceiling, and the Rising Star cave system in South Africa, where 1,800 fossils of a previously unknown, early relation to humans were discovered. The accompanying digitally created artwork lends a visceral experience to the reading. Similar to a real cave exploration, scant light from the entrance or headlamps seemingly casts a faint glow amid the mostly dark, textured backdrops, making this high-interest topic even more appealing.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Homing in on seven caves with distinctive characteristics, Cross Beckerman (When the Sky Glows) injects genuine passion into this nonfiction examination of caves and caving. The draw of secret places deep in the earth, staccato opening lines acknowledge, is simultaneously frightening and irresistible: "Excitement and fear battle./ Which will win?" Beginning with a definition of the subject, formally descriptive text alternates with beckoning, onomatopoeic free verse to introduce various locales. Among these are the "scorching" crystal caverns of Naica, Mexico, filled with 39-foot natural crystals; a fossil-filled South African cave system whose passage was traversed by highly dexterous female spelunkers; and an underwater cave system in Florida that takes 29 hours to cross. In a striking picture book debut that also demystifies cave-dwelling wildlife, including bats and glowworms, animator Chock combines realistic-looking rock surfaces with softly shaded adult and child figures overwhelmed by the natural features. The book's large trim size underscores the enormous voids of these interior spaces, while matte black pages convey their velvety darkness. Together, text and artwork deliver a high-impact introduction to the lure of caves. Back matter includes creators' notes and "Cave Rules" that emphasize the crucial need for safety. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Lara Perkins, Andrea Brown Literary. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--4--Curiosity can lead to some interesting places. Cross Beckerman shares her curiosity for caves and opens up her discoveries of what's hiding in those dark places with young readers. Big, beautiful, and colorful artwork showcases cave systems around the globe, such as the Lascaux Cave in France and its ancient drawings, the Glowworm Grotto of Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, and the massive bat colony of Bracken Cave in Texas. The book invites young readers to explore--safely--the wonder of caves, while also introducing future spelunkers to the rules and equipment of exploring. Over the book's 40 pages, the text vacillates between carefully styled, almost lyrical prose and informative blocks of text. Such a reading is an exciting way to engage with the rhythm of the story, but also there is an opportunity to craft a particular takeaway of the book: an artful cave-reading experience or an information-focused track. VERDICT Whether for pleasure or for research, this is a wonderful book to get lost in.--Jessica Schriver
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An invitation to share some of the world's speleological wonders. Lit by the flashlights of small visitors, huge, rugged, shadowy spaces beckon in Chock's powerfully atmospheric illustrations as Beckerman's accompanying mix of free-verse commentary and blocks of explanations in smaller type turn general impressions into specific sites and sights. Among the latter are the dazzling tangle of giant selenite crystals in Mexico's Cueva de los Cristales, ancient cave paintings at Lascaux in France, an immense underwater cave system in Florida, and (for truly courageous adventurers) the "silently squirming ceiling" of glowworms in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves. The author also pays particular tribute to the group of women who ventured into the constricted reaches (judged too narrow for men) of South Africa's Rising Star cave system to uncover fossils of a new prehistoric cousin, Homo naledi. All around the world caves are waiting "for / wondering, / wandering / explorers / like you," she concludes. "Do you dare?" For those who might, the book closes with lists of safety rules and recommended caving gear. Tiny spelunkers in the art are nearly all bundled up and facing away from viewers, but some at least are plainly children, and an observation that the floors of some lava tubes in Australia are flat enough for wheelchairs makes Beckerman's invitation even more inclusive. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Tantalizing glimpses of hidden natural treasures, with breathtaking art. (cave facts, author's and illustrator's notes, photos) (Informational picture book. 7-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
