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Here There Be Monsters: the Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid
by
H.P. Newquist (Goodreads Author)
HP Newquist's fast-paced account reveals how long-ago myths about the kraken transformed into the modern study of Architeuthis dux, the giant squid.Weaving scientific discovery with historical accounts—along with the giant squid’s appearance in film and literature—Here There Be Monsters explores the mystery of this creature in fascinating detail. Readers will find that the...more
Hardcover, 80 pages
Published
August 9th 2010
by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
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I got an advanced reading copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program. It was a very interesting, if quick read. The version I had did not have the full color pictures in it, but I found the black and white versions to be very interesting nonetheless.
This book goes from describing the early myths and legends of the Kraken and takes you on a journey as humanity struggles to find out the reality behind this mythological creature. Early findings and expeditions to find the creature are detail...more
This book goes from describing the early myths and legends of the Kraken and takes you on a journey as humanity struggles to find out the reality behind this mythological creature. Early findings and expeditions to find the creature are detail...more
Have you ever wondered about the tentacled beasts that hide beneath the waves of the oceans? Have you heard of the Kraken, but not known what it was? Have you spent nights awake trying to determine the difference between the giant and colossal squids? If so, then Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid by HP Newquist is the book for you. The book begins with a look at the legends of the Kraken and giant squid as recorded by fishermen, whalers, and sailors throughout hist...more
An in-depth book on giant and colossal squids, from the legends told by sailors about the "kraken" to recent successes in photographing them and finding specimens. Great resource for reports, readable text, but the large blocks of text might deter recreational reading unless a student has a particular interest in the subject.
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/...
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/...
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This book does an amazing job of weaving together the myths, history, and science around the legendary kraken and the very real giant sea squid. The writing is engaging without watering the material down, and the pictures and illustrations add a lot to the telling, with many drawn from some very cool old sources. Overall, I could see the book being appealing to anyone from 8 or 9 up through adults - it could be a great read-aloud with children at the younger end of that range, although older chi...more
I read this aloud with my son. He was riveted to the story and wrote this down as his favorite book a few weeks later for a school project. It takes you from the ancient writings about sea monsters that were discounted for years to the modern-day rediscovery of the giant squid. This kind of science history writing is rare to find. Detailed but suspenseful enough to capture the interest and imagination of a six-year-old.
I loved how the facts are presented in almost a story telling format. I could imagine the frustration of those early sailors who were not believed until the development of photography. The graphics portray the immensity of the giant squid.There are also facts about early trade routes and there is a connection with Walt Disney's film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
This was a totally fascinating combination of the history behind the legend of the kraken and the history of man's knowledge of the giant squid. I had never heard of the colossal squid before, and I can totally understand how legends of the kraken got started. I would certainly find an eyeball a foot or more in diameter to be incredibly creepy!
A very thorough account of what is known about giant and colossal squid. Newquist has done extensive research and met all the prominent researchers in the field in order to write this book. He first discusses legends about sea monsters such as the kraken, accompanied by illustrations from old manuscripts. Then he talks about how scientists gradually began to learn more about the giant squid, until a few years ago when one was finally filmed alive in its natural habitat (which I remember seeing o...more
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I felt like I was reading a book about a conspiracy theory until the very end, when Newquist revealed all of the evidence of real giant squid.
Interesting, but not nearly as good or as in-depth as some of the other award winners from this year. Still, for kids who like sharks and other creepy creatures, this book will be invaluable for years to come.
Everything you wanted to know--from legends of sea monsters and Kraken to scientific information about giant squid.
Super curious ... if only tomorrow wasn't the last day of school. Will kids go nuts over this book? I think yes ... but we'll have to wait until the fall to find out.
DRAT on end of year new book deliveries. But HOORAY for sort of creepy weird fascinating books like this one!
Though the quote about Tennyson on pg 15 seemed kind of random. The English major part of me appreciates it but seriously? Why include "'Tis better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all" in the book JUST bec...more
DRAT on end of year new book deliveries. But HOORAY for sort of creepy weird fascinating books like this one!
Though the quote about Tennyson on pg 15 seemed kind of random. The English major part of me appreciates it but seriously? Why include "'Tis better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all" in the book JUST bec...more
Reviewed professionally.
The only thing more exciting than a monster of myth is when
the monster turns out to be real. This nonfiction, picture book
format includes every known picture of the giant and colossal
squids, as well as many of the fanciful pictures of the
legendary Kraken. For everyone who likes real life adventure
stories, as well as those fans of a good creature feature.
the monster turns out to be real. This nonfiction, picture book
format includes every known picture of the giant and colossal
squids, as well as many of the fanciful pictures of the
legendary Kraken. For everyone who likes real life adventure
stories, as well as those fans of a good creature feature.
Very much enjoyed this, although non-fiction is not usually my thing. Booktalked it to middle school, got a great audience response, mentioned this in a blog along with "Tentacles" by Roland Smith.
Creepy cool pictures. Well written, well researched, and any book that quotes Moby Dick at length is a winner as far as I'm concerned.
Apr 26, 2013
Regina Babcock
is currently reading it
Apr 09, 2013
Jadon Mangrum
marked it as to-read
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marked it as to-read
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marked it as to-read
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marked it as to-read
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HP Newquist's books and articles have been published all over the world, and his writing has been translated into languages from kanji to farsi.
His books have have received awards and citations from numerous organizations. His writing spans a vast array of interests and issues.
In the late 1980s and 1990s he wrote extensively about artificial intelligence (AI), compiling a body of work that is arg...more
More about H.P. Newquist...
His books have have received awards and citations from numerous organizations. His writing spans a vast array of interests and issues.
In the late 1980s and 1990s he wrote extensively about artificial intelligence (AI), compiling a body of work that is arg...more
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Oct 03, 2010 09:05pm