Submarines

Selected for The Children’s Book Council’s May 2024 "Hot Off The Press" Reading List

"Gr 2-6–Kiwi Bird Karl is the guide and comic relief for this very interesting book about submarines. Karl would like to be able to explore under the sea, alas, his feathers do not allow him to go under water. But wait! He could take a submarine. There is a wealth of information about submarines. Each spread tackles a single topic, such as how to build a submarine, the history of submarines, or zones of the ocean. There’s a lot to unpack in a short amount of space, but readers who are interested in the topic will be satisfied. The saturated color palette of the book is meant to mimic the colors of the deep ocean, while still being able to identify things. The pictures are highly detailed and engaging. This book will be best as a book read together or alone; it doesn’t work as a read-aloud.VERDICT A great choice for elementary and middle school collections in need of information about submarines and oceans." —Debbie Tanner, School Library Journal

"Engaging children's book full of information about the ocean and various underwater vessels and submarines." —Librarian

"Submarines is an excellent and informational book. There are wonderful illustrations and information to help kids of all ages learn about submarines." —Librarian, Nativity Prep Boston

"A great book for any kid interested in submarines or the depths of the ocean! Lots of interesting facts." —Julia S., NetGalley-Reviewer

"Karl the kiwi bird is our guide to explore the oceans and the crafts that take us there. Highly educational. I learned quite a bit about submarines, history of submarines and the ocean. Would be a nice resource addition to any library. Easy to understand and retain. Wonderful illustrations. Highly recommend." —Susan F., NetGalley-Reviewer

"Okay, this was really cool. I don't know much about submarines (most people probably don't!) so it was fascinating to read this little book about the history of submarines and the different kinds." —Lisa D., NetGalley-Reviewer

"This was a really informative book for both my son and I. I realized I didn’t know a lot about submarines prior to reading this book. Each page is full of fun illustrations and engaging text. I especially enjoyed the pages discussing the different zones of the ocean. Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in submarines!" —Carla W., NetGalley-Reviewer

"This is a Children's book that I read with my twin boys. My boys really loved all the facts in this book. I think the pictures were very well done, and the facts were very interesting. My boys really loved this book so much." —NetGalley-Reviewer

"The different topics in this book were fascinating. I had never thought about what submersible is there to help when a submarine needs repairs. This book of facts about diving down deep makes it perfect for an older child in second -third grade to read themselves." —Connie Reid, YA Books Central

"This is a highly enjoyable and educational book that includes a bit of a story along with approachable facts and information about exploring the deep ocean. The broad range of facts around the ocean and submarines teaches a lot and inspires a love of exploration and the ocean. There is a lot to learn, even for adults who are checking this out alongside their children. The inclusion of Karl as a part of the story makes the book flow throughout and adds some fun to the nonfiction style. A really fantastic part of this series is how the end of the book encourages children to dream and use their imaginations for the future. Final verdict: SUBMARINES is a delightful and educational book that will appeal to curious young elementary school aged children. There is plenty to learn about the ocean and submarines in this engaging, approachable, and nicely illustrated story." —Olivia Farr, YA Books Central

"Slick digital illustrations and copious amounts of informational text march across the thick cardboard pages (10 in total). Karl’s hiding in every scene, so looking for the maroon kiwi will be another activity.The vocabulary level was pretty high for a board book: bathyscaph, plumb line, hydrostatic pressure, combustion chamber, stratocumulus, turbulence, etc. On the plus side, the board book construction seemed sturdy, so if toddlers just want to look at the pictures and find Karl, they’ll be happy." —Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review

"This delightful book provides a fascinating look at the strange creatures living down in the depths, and examines human attempts to visit and study them. The author packs a lot of information into a few pages, and the bold, colorful graphics by Diarmuid O Cathain are a perfect compliment. Another great book that makes learnin' fun." —Goodreads

"This is a wonderful one for all of your sciencey kids, the ones who want to know *how stuff works* (that would be me). Very detailed diagrams and text all about submarines, ocean pressure and other science, the history of ocean diving, and even some about its future. A wonderful and educational read." —Shonatiger, Blogger

"Harastova’s detailed-filled text makes this title an exemplary choice for a range of ages, particularly thanks to the accessible narrative and charming infographics. Cathain’s vivid illustrations are notably eye-catching, providing exemplary design from everything including the vessels themselves to the bustling sea life, the chemical reactions to the colorful coral reefs and everything in between.️" —Olivia the Librarian, IG