Title: Deep, Deep Down: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench

Author: Lydia Lukidis

Illustrator: Juan Calle

Publisher: Capstone Editions, 2023

This is the opening page of Deep, Deep Down: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench by Lydia Lukidis and Juan Calle published by Capstone Editions (2023):

Deep,
deep
down,
at the bottom
of the Pacific Ocean
lies a secret place.

It’s no wonder I was immediately drawn in, as I’m sure most readers would be, even if they never heard of or know much about the Mariana Trench. After describing it directly to the reader, the author continues to pique your curiosity with questions suggesting strange creatures. Then suddenly, you are inside a submersible, traveling deep, deep down to the bottom of the ocean. At each stop along the way, the text is paired with a nonfiction sidebar offering interesting facts about some of the creatures that can be found at that depth.

Poetic text peppered with consonance, assonance, similes and other poetry devices is well-suited to parallel the graceful motion of the creatures. Lydia Lukidis successfully creates a feeling of awe throughout and makes the reader feel that they are right there in the ocean, experiencing each wonder first hand. Illustrator Juan Calle uses light and color to bring the creatures to life in a very mesmerizing way. Several sections of back matter provide additional information to curious readers who want to know more.

Although it is probably best suited to children ages 8 and up, I think this book would be fascinating to readers of all ages, at home and in the classroom. Deep, Deep Down invites deep, deep curiosity!