Way Down Deep (All Aboard Science Reader)
Grade 1-3?A basic introduction to the ocean depths. DeMuth begins with the strange monsters that early sailors believed to  inhabit the ocean waters. She then highlights some of the unusual creatures that actually live there. The differences in water coloration and the use of submersibles and robots to explore areas where divers can not go are touched upon. In a few instances, the text borders on anthropomorphism and simplistic teleological explanations for events that occur. For example, "When a meal passes by, the fish are ready to grab it" and "The angler has dinner." Even though the information is interesting, the text is overly ambitious, trying to cover geographical formations, deep sea creatures, exploration, and the "rich metals" that can be found at the ocean bottom. Average-quality full-color illustrations provide clarification and contribute to the overall appeal. An adequate choice for primary-graders seeking nonfiction titles that they can read.?Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.