The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish

By Author / Illustrator

Chloe Savage

Genre

Picture Books

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books Ltd

ISBN

9781406391886

Format

Hardback

Published

06-10-2022

Synopsis

A moving tale of grit, endurance and self-belief to inspire young explorers and dreamers from a stunningly talented debut.

Dr Morley is about to embark on a quest to the northernmost tip of the world, to discover a creature that everyone talks about but nobody has ever seen: The Giant Arctic Jellyfish. After years of research and hard graft, she gathers together a highly trained crew and a boat full of specialist equipment, and sets sail for the vast icy scapes of the Arctic. Will she find what she is searching for? Or will it find her?

From debut author-illustrator Chloe Savage comes a beautifully detailed adventure into the unknown, sure to captivate the imagination of young explorers.

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Reviews

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish is a beautiful story book about the journey Dr Morely and her crew take to find the giant Arctic Jellyfish. After years of planning and research, the crew finally embarks on their boat to the Arctic to find the Giant Arctic Jellyfish. They search high and low (very low in the waters!) to find her, but will they ever catch a glimpse of the famous jellyfish?

The book is beautifully illustrated with some fantastic images to spark conversation and intrigue. I loved the blend between fact and fiction, looking into a scientists' expedition and what happens - not always being successful. I think this book would be perfect for children who are into art and science. A truly beautiful tale of perseverance and exploration which I can't wait to read with my class.

Picture book / Reviewed by Lauren Maidman, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish is a lovely picture book but I suspect it may have limited market appeal- it's very niche! However, if you have any budding explorers in your family or classroom then this is the perfect book to inspire them.

The book is an account of a female scientist named Dr Morley. It is her life's ambition to find the elusive Giant Arctic Jellyfish and she gathers a research crew, a boat crew and sets sail for the frozen North. The story details what takes place during a research mission; from the mundane such as sharing cramped quarters, meal times to the scientific. Sadly there is no trace of the Giant Jellyfish, which is actually playing a game of hide and seek with the boat and the scientists and an be easily spotted on each page by the reader. Dr Morley is ready to admit defeat and sail for home when the final page reveals first contact and a childhood dream realised.

This book is a challenging read; the text is sparse and clearly laid out but the vocabulary is rich and ambitious. Many Key Stage One readers will be put off. However, Lower Key Stage Two will appreciate this and might be encouraged to include key phrases in their own writing. The book would be a welcome addition to any class topic on Explorers or Scientists and would be a welcome addition to a school library.

Picture book / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher