The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish
by Chloe Savage; illus. by the author
Primary    Candlewick    32 pp.
6/23    9781536228519    $18.99

Savage presents a fanciful yet plausibly realistic portrayal of an intrepid group of scientists in search of a creature that “everyone talks about but no one has ever seen: the giant Arctic jellyfish.” The jellyfish in question is fictional; however, the ­documentary-style narration and thoughtful attention to visual details make the exploration feel enticingly real. Exploratory equipment and scientific instruments, along with multiple cutaways of the ship’s interior, are consistent and believable throughout Savage’s playful ink and watercolor illustrations. The members of the large crew, when unbundled from cold-weather gear, are identifiable by their varying skin tones, hairstyles, and uniquely patterned ­sweaters. The day-to-day monotony of living on a research vessel (countless tasks and long lines for the bathroom) is offset by moments of natural wonder (a vibrant aurora borealis) and harrowing exploration (encountering a polar bear on an iceberg). A steady flow of double-page spreads depicts scene after Arctic scene from both above and below water, providing readers with glimpses of the elusive giant Arctic jellyfish. Savage’s strong command of color, light, and atmosphere shines, allowing the creature’s ­semi-translucent body to both mimic and blend with the frigid environment. This is key, since the giant Arctic jellyfish (depicted with two eyes and expressive body language) remains just out of sight until the story’s very end, adding a gentle touch of humor and enhancing this imaginative celebration of curiosity.

Pubissue-From the May/June 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.