Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster (Smithsonian)

Giant Squid gets five stars for sure. Mary Cerullo's account of the search for the giant squid reads like a detective novel, but it is the true story of Smithsonian Zoologist Dr. Clyde Roper's decades-long quest to observe this mythical-sounding creature alive in its natural habitat. As an "ocean detective on the case" he hunts answers to progressively more perplexing questions, building suspense as the story moves along. Is there any truth to ancient stories of gigantic sea beasts? What kind of creature could take on a 70-ton whale? Where would a sperm whale and a giant squid meet? How do scientists solve mysteries? It's a lively read, interesting from beginning to end, yet packed with accurate information, not only about squids and whales, but also about the oceans themselves and the scientists who explore them. As I followed along with Clyde Roper, I found myself caught up in the adventure. Sometimes I laughed--at the whimsical drawings and some unusual pictures, like the one of Clyde stretched out on his back beside the carcass of a giant squid or the one where he finds himself waist deep in blood as he autopsies a sperm whale. The illustrations are spectacular. Many come from Dr. Roper's own collection and from the collections of his colleagues. While this book is obviously designed for fourth to eighth graders, I found it thoroughly captivating--and my school days are long behind me! I thoroughly recommend it for children and young people and for folks of any age who are curious about the sea and its creatures. It also provides a glimpse into the life and work--even the passion--of the scientists who study marine life and who care about the health of our oceans. Besides, it's a great read.

My 5 year old son who is fascinated with squids, especially giant ones, loves this book. I'm glad others wrote a great review about it because they helped me make the decision to buy it. Awesome library copy in excellent shape. We'll be enjoying it for years to come. 🦑👍

This book is awesome. My son, after watching YouTube videos about giant and colossal squid, was THRILLED to see expert Clyde Roper featured in this book! The reading level is a little difficult for a child who is just starting to read independently, but we read it to him for now and he'll get there in time.

Amazing book I think it had a lot of info on giant squids, also it’s a nice easy book to read.

My son (6yrs) is obsessed with all things kraken or giant squid related. He LOVES this book for the variety of imagery and the history/facts in it. It is one of his favorites books.

My kids definitely love it!!

Great info. My 4 year old loves it!

My 5 year old son loves this book! It is written with so much suspense that it makes the research adventure a real detective story. And the fact that not even everything is known makes it even better.

My son is crazy about squid and watches all available videos about giant squid in YouTube. He was thrilled when he opened this book on Christmas day. Packed with facts about giant squid and the researchers who seek them, it's full of pictures and written in an engaging and accessible style. Great value and highly recommended.

Nicely set out and great pictures and diagrams. 12 year old son who is fascinated in wildlife and nature and giant squids loves it. Great for adults do too!

My son (aged 9) LOVES this book. It's not 'dumbed down', is packed with info, and shows the drama and excitement of science. Excellent

Great for boys aged 4 & 6!Full of facts and illustrations.

Such a great book for our daughter, so many facts, so many great discoveries! Great for adults and kids alike !