“Of all the bugs and birds and beasts … that I have yet to find, there’s one that tops my list – and it’s … the biggest of its kind”. Sid is on a quest to find the incredibly rare Colossal Squid. No one has ever seen it in the wild and Sid wants to be the first. He has studied all the information available and even has a squid soft toy that he dreams with each night. Sid is an explorer and has a long list of creatures that he has seen, and wishes to see. This adventure will take him into the ocean where he not only searches for the illusive squid, but also encounters many fascinating sea animals that he can tick off his list.
Dr James O’Hanlon, scientist, author and illustrator has created an engaging, information-filled book with memorable rhyme and rhythm that will excite young readers. His brightly coloured paint and crayon illustrations show, not only the squid, but all the different animals’ features, movement and habitat making them immediately identifiable. The information, with diagram, about of the Colossal Squid and Sid’s impressive list (which is featured on the endpapers) will make young readers feel like they’re part of a real scientific investigation. Sid, through his voice and in his animated expression, conveys his unbridled enthusiasm for all kinds of creatures.
James O’Hanlon has created a book that will inspire little scientist to explore the natural world. They can find the cheeky squid disguised and hiding from Sid within the book, as a prelude to their own investigations. I can see little people armed with their lists and magnifying glasses, heading out to do field research. Being a CSIRO publication, extra information is provided at the back of the book and the website has links to
