Giant Squid: Searching For A Sea Monster (smithsonian) [Paperback]

The scientific work of Dr. Clyde Roper is featured in this fascinating look at the mysterious deep-sea creature, the giant squid. . . .Illustrated with a mix of actual photographs, charts, diagrams and illustrations this narrative provides an enormous amount of factual information about this little-known subject in addition to pieces of some of the sea lore that surrounds them. Sightings of these rare animals are few partly because they live in the freezing depths of the ocean usually from 1,600 to 3,300 feet below sea level. How scientists have used photography to search and study these elusive creatures combined with the fact that a giant squid has never been captured or observed within their own environment makes fascinating account. This text was selected as an Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2013.A fascinating look at the search for a real-life sea monster. . . .The book is visually appealing and informative, using photos and illustrations to accompany the text. There are some jaw-droppers here, and the images of live giant squid at the end of the book will draw a lot of deserved attention. A book that will hold pleasure reading and fact-finding appeal, Giant Squid is a worthy addition to your collection.Great pictures, easy to read text. Highly recommended for grade schoolers!Though yet to be observed in its natural environment, the giant squid (and its heavier Antarctic cousin, the colossal squid) is slowly giving up its secrets thanks to Clyde Roper, one of the world’s leading teuthologists. Along with a quick tally of historical encounters with the creatures, this presents accounts of several of Roper’s undersea expeditions—along with those of Japanese expert Tsunemi Kubodera—and summarizes in clear, simple language what has been learned or inferred about the monsters’ physical structures, behavior, and life cycle. Some memorable color photos, including views of Roper laying down beside a dead squid to show its length, posinló*