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Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea
Half the earth’s surface is covered by water more than a mile deep, but most of this watery world is a mystery to us. In fact, more people have stood on the surface of the moon than have visited the deepest spot in the ocean.Ìý Come along as we travel down, down, down, from the surface to the bottom of the sea. Along the way you can see jellyfish that flash like a neon sign, creatures with teeth so big, they can’t close their mouths, and even a squid as long as a bus, which battles to the death with a sperm whale, the largest predator on earth. It’ll be a journey you won’t soon forget! Award-winning author-illustrator Steve Jenkins delivers another masterful collection of fascinating facts and amazing art.
40 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2009
15 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Steve Jenkins
170Ìýbooks231ÌýfollowersSteve was born in 1952 in Hickory, North Carolina. His father, who would become a physics professor and astronomer (and recently his co-author on a book about the Solar System), was in the military and, later, working on science degrees at several different universities. We moved often. Steve lived in North Carolina, Panama, Virginia, Kansas, and Colorado. Wherever he lived, he kept a menagerie of lizards, turtles, spiders, and other animals, collected rocks and fossils, and blew things up in his small chemistry lab.
Because he moved often, Steve didn't have a large group of friends, and he spent a lot of time with books. His parents read to him until he could read himself, and he became an obsessive reader.
His interest in science led me to believe that I'd be a scientist himself. At the last minute, he chose instead to go to art school in North Carolina, where he studied graphic design. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he worked in advertising and design, first in large firms and then with his wife, Robin Page, in their own small graphic design firm. Robin, also an author and illustrator, is his frequent collaborator � they've made sixteen children's books together.
Their daughter Page was born in 1986 and our son, Alec, two years later. They began reading to them when they were just a few months old, and Steve became interested in making children's books himself. My wife and I read to our two older children almost every night until hisdaughter was 12 or 13, long after they were reading on their own. It was, in many ways, the best part of the day.
In 1994 they moved to from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, where they work in a studio attached to their house, which was built in the 1880s and often functions as if it were still the 19th century.
Their youngest son, Jamie, was born in 1998. The questions his children asked over the years have been the inspiration for many of their books.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database.
Because he moved often, Steve didn't have a large group of friends, and he spent a lot of time with books. His parents read to him until he could read himself, and he became an obsessive reader.
His interest in science led me to believe that I'd be a scientist himself. At the last minute, he chose instead to go to art school in North Carolina, where he studied graphic design. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he worked in advertising and design, first in large firms and then with his wife, Robin Page, in their own small graphic design firm. Robin, also an author and illustrator, is his frequent collaborator � they've made sixteen children's books together.
Their daughter Page was born in 1986 and our son, Alec, two years later. They began reading to them when they were just a few months old, and Steve became interested in making children's books himself. My wife and I read to our two older children almost every night until hisdaughter was 12 or 13, long after they were reading on their own. It was, in many ways, the best part of the day.
In 1994 they moved to from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, where they work in a studio attached to their house, which was built in the 1880s and often functions as if it were still the 19th century.
Their youngest son, Jamie, was born in 1998. The questions his children asked over the years have been the inspiration for many of their books.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
January 12, 2023
This book does a deep dive into the Pacific Ocean. Jenkins begins at the surface and then takes the reader on a tour through the Sunlit Zone, the Twilight Zone, the Dark Zone, the Abyssal Plain, and down into the Marianas Trench. The many sea creatures who live in each zone are depicted in large illustrations with more detailed information at the back of the book. The format allows for varied reading levels to enjoy the book. I can see kids who are fascinated by the ocean coming back to this book time after time. A "ruler" on the right side of the page keeps track of your progress as you descent into the depths. The variety and diversity in our oceans is far beyond our comprehension.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! ~ Psalm 8:6-9
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! ~ Psalm 8:6-9
January 11, 2022
So yes, Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea, written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins, truly is a superlative marriage of text and image (I would go so far as to call it a perfect or nearly perfect example of what a successful non-fiction picture book should encompass). Featuring an informative narrative, although elaborate and textually dense, this book still manages to be both engaging and descriptive, with brightly colourful, realistic cut-paper collage illustrations providing a visually stunning mirror of the narrative, both complementing and at times even expanding on the textual information, the details presented.
The voyage down, down, down into the abyss, through the different levels of the Pacific Ocean (specifically the Marianas Trench, the Challenger Deep, at 35, 838 feet or 10, 923 meters the deepest spot in the world's oceans) both reads and feels like an informative travel-log, a voyage in a submarine through different ocean strata, past predators and prey (all described and depicted in minute, but always engaging and informatively interesting detail). And while I would generally consider Down, Down, Down more of a book for older children (even teenagers and adults would likely find the information presented intriguing and absorbing), I do think that younger children would also enjoy poring over, perusing the intricate, realistically detailed illustrations (although with a caveat that very sensitive children might find some of the more bizarre denizens of the ocean deep creepy and perhaps even possibly frightening).
This would be a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and is suitable for both at home and in-class study and use. The excellent supplemental information at the back, as well as the small, but up-to-date bibliography, increase both the teaching and learning possibilities of this superb gem of a picture book, allowing for discussions, research projects, in-class presentations. Highly, highly recommended.
The voyage down, down, down into the abyss, through the different levels of the Pacific Ocean (specifically the Marianas Trench, the Challenger Deep, at 35, 838 feet or 10, 923 meters the deepest spot in the world's oceans) both reads and feels like an informative travel-log, a voyage in a submarine through different ocean strata, past predators and prey (all described and depicted in minute, but always engaging and informatively interesting detail). And while I would generally consider Down, Down, Down more of a book for older children (even teenagers and adults would likely find the information presented intriguing and absorbing), I do think that younger children would also enjoy poring over, perusing the intricate, realistically detailed illustrations (although with a caveat that very sensitive children might find some of the more bizarre denizens of the ocean deep creepy and perhaps even possibly frightening).
This would be a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and is suitable for both at home and in-class study and use. The excellent supplemental information at the back, as well as the small, but up-to-date bibliography, increase both the teaching and learning possibilities of this superb gem of a picture book, allowing for discussions, research projects, in-class presentations. Highly, highly recommended.
September 4, 2009
Down down down is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, educational educational educational, and absorbing absorbing absorbing.
This is an excellent science book for seven to eleven year olds, and the beautiful pictures and much of the information can also be appreciated by much younger children too.
This isn’t the first time I’ve read that the ocean depths is the least explored place on earth, even less so than on the moon’s surface, but it does a great job with its pictures and text of making that clear.
This is one of those books that make science fun, even for those who think they’re disinterested in this topic.
Some of the photos and information may be too scary for younger fearful children, but I think that most kids will love this book.
This is an excellent science book for seven to eleven year olds, and the beautiful pictures and much of the information can also be appreciated by much younger children too.
This isn’t the first time I’ve read that the ocean depths is the least explored place on earth, even less so than on the moon’s surface, but it does a great job with its pictures and text of making that clear.
This is one of those books that make science fun, even for those who think they’re disinterested in this topic.
Some of the photos and information may be too scary for younger fearful children, but I think that most kids will love this book.
September 4, 2012
This is a wonderful book about the ocean. I love that spends a lot of time explaining about the creatures of the deep, since the ones who live at the surface already have a lot of exposure in so many other books. I also like that he explains that the ocean's depths truly are the last unexplored frontier on earth, since so few people have gone to the deepest places.
We saw so many creatures we'd never heard of before and I loved that he put the ocean's depth into perspective with the depth chart on each page. The mixed media illustrations provided such interesting detail and texture that we really paused to look at each page carefully.
I loved the amplified information provided at the end of the book and it would certainly be useful for research. Our girls only wanted to learn more about a few of the creatures, so I read the majority of that section on my own. They were surprised at the scale of some of the creatures and it was helpful to see the silhouette of a hand or a human sized against the various animals.
Overall, it's a terrific book to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together. We will certainly look for more of his books at our local library.
This story was selected as one of the books for the reads at the in the Children's Books Group here at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
We saw so many creatures we'd never heard of before and I loved that he put the ocean's depth into perspective with the depth chart on each page. The mixed media illustrations provided such interesting detail and texture that we really paused to look at each page carefully.
I loved the amplified information provided at the end of the book and it would certainly be useful for research. Our girls only wanted to learn more about a few of the creatures, so I read the majority of that section on my own. They were surprised at the scale of some of the creatures and it was helpful to see the silhouette of a hand or a human sized against the various animals.
Overall, it's a terrific book to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together. We will certainly look for more of his books at our local library.
This story was selected as one of the books for the reads at the in the Children's Books Group here at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
September 5, 2012
I am so impressed with this book!!! Steve Jenkins has created an absolutely marvelous book about the various zones of the sea (specifically the Pacific Ocean) from the surface of the waters to the lowest point on earth nearly 36,000 feet (11,000 meters) below in the Marianas Trench. Jenkins invites readers on a journey and together we go "down, down, down" learning about the different depths, light availability, pressure, and creatures that live in those conditions. It is still mind boggling to me that more people have been on the moon than have been to the deepest point in the oceans (humans only visited the Challenger Deep in the Marianas Trench once in 1960!!!)
Most of the information was not new to me as I am a big fan of the ocean and have seen several documentaries. Yet that makes me applaud Jenkins even more because I am just amazed he was able to describe as much as he did, in such brevity and clarity, making it accessible to young readers. I think this is a book that could be enjoyed on multiple levels. Little ones might enjoy simply looking through the illustrations, being told the names of the creatures (warning: a few of the creatures might frighten sensitive children). Slightly older children could enjoy a read-aloud from Jenkins' text and perhaps some assistance figuring out the rather abstract concept of the changing depths. For very enthusiastic children or the slightly older picture book crowd, the back matter provides more information about each creature shown in the text as well as a helpful scale model (comparing the creatures to either an adult human's body or hand size). Lots of great information here!
When children finish this book, if they are interested in more about the oceans they may enjoy watching the "Blue Planet" series to see some of these creatures in real oceans. I'm trying to remember an age guideline for the documentary--I know there is some hunter/prey stuff and sharks, etc. that might frighten young children but also some very lovely scenes so I just recommend parental guidance.
Most of the information was not new to me as I am a big fan of the ocean and have seen several documentaries. Yet that makes me applaud Jenkins even more because I am just amazed he was able to describe as much as he did, in such brevity and clarity, making it accessible to young readers. I think this is a book that could be enjoyed on multiple levels. Little ones might enjoy simply looking through the illustrations, being told the names of the creatures (warning: a few of the creatures might frighten sensitive children). Slightly older children could enjoy a read-aloud from Jenkins' text and perhaps some assistance figuring out the rather abstract concept of the changing depths. For very enthusiastic children or the slightly older picture book crowd, the back matter provides more information about each creature shown in the text as well as a helpful scale model (comparing the creatures to either an adult human's body or hand size). Lots of great information here!
When children finish this book, if they are interested in more about the oceans they may enjoy watching the "Blue Planet" series to see some of these creatures in real oceans. I'm trying to remember an age guideline for the documentary--I know there is some hunter/prey stuff and sharks, etc. that might frighten young children but also some very lovely scenes so I just recommend parental guidance.
February 13, 2017
This has GOT to win a Sibert Award next January! What an outstanding look at the types of animals that live at different depths in the ocean. I like the way he's arranged each page-- with his stunning cut-paper illustrations of the creatures and then, on the side, a chart indicating what depth these creatures live at, and the amount of light and temperature there. At the end of the book, more information is given about each creature, and--another nifty feature--each animal is compared in size to either a human hand or a human body. Outstanding! A depth chart of how far down people and various types of underwater vehicles can go was also provided. Fascinating! Highly recommended!
November 10, 2019
"Down, down, down" goes Steve Jenkins - whose
was selected as a Caldecott Honor Book in 2004 - as he explores the many wondrous layers of the ocean. From the sunlit zone at the top to the extreme depths of the Marianas Trench (more than 35,000 feet below the surface), each two-page spread introduces the young reader to the conditions and creatures of a different level of that great watery expanse which covers more than two thirds of our planet.
Young would-be oceanographers will thrill to this "tale" of deepening gloom and mystery, as the lower levels of the ocean are brought into focus. In one dramatic scene, a sperm whale grapples with a giant eel. In another, the bioluminescent creatures of the deep light up in a glorious display. Jenkins' cut and torn-paper illustrations are delightful, emphasizing the truly unique qualities - whether of teeth or fins - of the creatures depicted. With an engaging text, an informative afterword giving more detail for each creature, and Jenkins' gorgeous artwork, Down, Down, Down is the sort of science book that will have broad appeal - definitely a winner!
Young would-be oceanographers will thrill to this "tale" of deepening gloom and mystery, as the lower levels of the ocean are brought into focus. In one dramatic scene, a sperm whale grapples with a giant eel. In another, the bioluminescent creatures of the deep light up in a glorious display. Jenkins' cut and torn-paper illustrations are delightful, emphasizing the truly unique qualities - whether of teeth or fins - of the creatures depicted. With an engaging text, an informative afterword giving more detail for each creature, and Jenkins' gorgeous artwork, Down, Down, Down is the sort of science book that will have broad appeal - definitely a winner!
September 30, 2012
When I was young, I wanted to be either a marine biologist or an astronaut. Alas, I spend my time looking at picture-books or reading sci-fi. Girls: you can be these things and there are tutors to help with those subjects you find difficult. Or go to the library and ask for books to help you. Don't be the one looking at the pictures and wishing!
I LOVED the pictures in this book. Well done, dark and sometimes scary illustrations of beasts found where one wouldn't think life could exist. Life finds a way. Humans may not be able to withstand the pressures or the heat, but other beings have found that sulfur is edible! A good thing these beings exist to clean up after the surface dwellers and keep the ocean healthy for others. I think it is grand that where no light penetrates, the animals bring their own. What evolutionary changes would humans bring if they had to live at those depths?
Okay, the book sent me on my own sci-fi. But I think that is what good science books should do. Keep us asking questions.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was the fine print. The font throughout was so small I could only handle it in small doses. And though this would have been a favorite bedtime read for my kids and I so long ago, I can't imagine getting past the pictures. My children wouldn't have wanted to read the words as they had the same tracking problems I have had all my life. I would have had to read it to them. If you have something important to say beyond illustrations why make a person find a magnifying glass to read it?
In the same section in the back, I found the comparison charts to be fascinating. The size of a human compared to the giant squid or sperm-whale absolutely intimidating, and AWESOME! I swam with leopard sharks and manta-rays once at Marineland and have pet dolphins. But to swim with a whale must be the most exciting thing one could ever do!
Thank you, Cheryl, for introducing me to this book. I am so sad I have to let it go back to the library. These kinds of books were favorites in my house when I had little ones.
I LOVED the pictures in this book. Well done, dark and sometimes scary illustrations of beasts found where one wouldn't think life could exist. Life finds a way. Humans may not be able to withstand the pressures or the heat, but other beings have found that sulfur is edible! A good thing these beings exist to clean up after the surface dwellers and keep the ocean healthy for others. I think it is grand that where no light penetrates, the animals bring their own. What evolutionary changes would humans bring if they had to live at those depths?
Okay, the book sent me on my own sci-fi. But I think that is what good science books should do. Keep us asking questions.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was the fine print. The font throughout was so small I could only handle it in small doses. And though this would have been a favorite bedtime read for my kids and I so long ago, I can't imagine getting past the pictures. My children wouldn't have wanted to read the words as they had the same tracking problems I have had all my life. I would have had to read it to them. If you have something important to say beyond illustrations why make a person find a magnifying glass to read it?
In the same section in the back, I found the comparison charts to be fascinating. The size of a human compared to the giant squid or sperm-whale absolutely intimidating, and AWESOME! I swam with leopard sharks and manta-rays once at Marineland and have pet dolphins. But to swim with a whale must be the most exciting thing one could ever do!
Thank you, Cheryl, for introducing me to this book. I am so sad I have to let it go back to the library. These kinds of books were favorites in my house when I had little ones.
September 21, 2015
Did you know that more humans have walked on the moon than have visited the deepest spot in the sea? I had no idea! I love the many facts I learn from reading a Steve Jenkins nonfiction picture book! It feels like this book just barely scratches the surface (ha!) with ocean information, but I see it as a great jumping off point for students who might want to read more in-depth books after reading this one. Even so, there is an awful lot of interesting information given here - especially if you read the extra information on the pages at the back.
I loved the format of traveling further down, down, down into the ocean with each turn of the page. I especially loved the page that shows what we would see in "The Twilight Zone" without lights. So fun!
Just a few more of the ocean facts I learned from reading this:
* Male and female hairy anglers become fused together over time.
* Some hunters in "The Dark Zone" have a stomach that stretches, so they can swallow an animal significantly larger than they are.
* Some scientists think there are more comb jellies than any other animal in the world.
* Some scientists believe we've seen fewer than half the large animals living in the sea!
I loved the format of traveling further down, down, down into the ocean with each turn of the page. I especially loved the page that shows what we would see in "The Twilight Zone" without lights. So fun!
Just a few more of the ocean facts I learned from reading this:
* Male and female hairy anglers become fused together over time.
* Some hunters in "The Dark Zone" have a stomach that stretches, so they can swallow an animal significantly larger than they are.
* Some scientists think there are more comb jellies than any other animal in the world.
* Some scientists believe we've seen fewer than half the large animals living in the sea!
October 1, 2012
I have yet to read a book by Jenkins that wasn't impressive. I love his work! This nonfiction book explores the depths of the ocean. Each page has a line to show you from the surface to the bottom of the Marianas Trench, with your current location marked with a dot and the depth listed on this line. So you can visually see how deep you are going. Then he includes several animals that reside at each depth, tells you about the light (or lack of light), the water pressure and a little about how scientists have traveled to these depths. Great information and great illustrations make this an interesting and engaging read. The wonderful notes at the end provide more information about the animals described on each page. There were many animals that I'd never heard of, and I learned several interesting facts about animals that I did know about. For example, I had no idea that the sperm whale will dive so deep to catch a giant squid or that it can hold its breath for up to two hours.
My 7 and 9 year old daughters both really enjoyed reading and listening to this book and read about many of the animals in the end notes. I am a huge fan of Jenkins! He never disappoints.
My 7 and 9 year old daughters both really enjoyed reading and listening to this book and read about many of the animals in the end notes. I am a huge fan of Jenkins! He never disappoints.
February 5, 2017
This book seems rather like typical nonfiction fare, but, my 6 year old found it very engaging, so I have to agree. Now, my 'just-turned-6 year old' is no genius, just a regular kid. We are working on reading and today she struggled quite a bit with the word 'they'. Could not get the word 'they'. However, she blurted out 'Siphonophore' after we'd glanced at the page for just a few seconds. I had no idea what she was talking about and she pointed the word out to me. If someone could please explain to me why my kid couldn't figure out the word THEY even after I read it for her several times and even after she had just read it herself, but, could read 'Siphonophore' on her first attempt, I would feel a LOT less crazy...
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May 14, 2017If your child is fascinated with ocean life, check out this book! Learn about many interesting and unusual creatures that live below the surface of the ocean, not just the sharks and dolphins, but super weird critters like the vampire squid! Illustrations are done with cut paper and collage, highlighting the creepier aspects of sea life. � Paula C.
November 8, 2024
We loved this one!
July 10, 2009
This book takes the reader on a journey from the ocean's surface down to the deepest spot on earth, and introduces some of the creatures that live in each range of depth. And it is gorgeous - illustrated with cut and torn paper collage. At first, the pictures show the sunlit surface of the Pacific (did you know that there's a flying squid? I didn't, but I'd be way happier encountering one of those than a leaping great white shark)!
But soon the background color goes from shades of blue to midnight blue to black, as sunlight can only penetrate to about 660 feet. Then we start to get the weird animals: vampire squid, siphonophores, pram bugs, and those angler fish with the little glowing lures they use to attract prey. Nemo, no!!!
Going even deeper, it's hard to believe anything can live as deep as 13,000 feet, where there are hydrothermal vents, but vent crabs and octopi, giant tube worms and flat fish all live there. There are even creatures that live in the Marianas Trench, lower than 35,000 feet! Humans have visited only once, for 20 minutes, in the research vessel Trieste. And that is as low as you can go, seven miles beneath the surface.
I like the bar graph along the side of each two page spread that shows you how deep down you've gone, and how dark it is. At the end of the book, there is more information on each of the creatures pictured. Did you know that despite the oarfish's dragonlike appearance (it can grow up to 36 feet long!), it eats mostly plankton, small fish, and jellyfish? Next to each entry, scale is provided with either a picture of a hand or a man next to silhouettes of the creatures in question.
Viewed from space, the earth looks like a watery blue ball. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the globe's surface, and well over half the planet lies beneath water more than a mile (1 1/2 kilometers) deep. We have only explored a small fraction of the oceans. In fact, more humans have walked on the moon than have visited the deepest spot in the sea.
Recommended for young folks interested in exploring the ocean, and anyone who loves beautiful book illustration.
But soon the background color goes from shades of blue to midnight blue to black, as sunlight can only penetrate to about 660 feet. Then we start to get the weird animals: vampire squid, siphonophores, pram bugs, and those angler fish with the little glowing lures they use to attract prey. Nemo, no!!!
Going even deeper, it's hard to believe anything can live as deep as 13,000 feet, where there are hydrothermal vents, but vent crabs and octopi, giant tube worms and flat fish all live there. There are even creatures that live in the Marianas Trench, lower than 35,000 feet! Humans have visited only once, for 20 minutes, in the research vessel Trieste. And that is as low as you can go, seven miles beneath the surface.
I like the bar graph along the side of each two page spread that shows you how deep down you've gone, and how dark it is. At the end of the book, there is more information on each of the creatures pictured. Did you know that despite the oarfish's dragonlike appearance (it can grow up to 36 feet long!), it eats mostly plankton, small fish, and jellyfish? Next to each entry, scale is provided with either a picture of a hand or a man next to silhouettes of the creatures in question.
Viewed from space, the earth looks like a watery blue ball. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the globe's surface, and well over half the planet lies beneath water more than a mile (1 1/2 kilometers) deep. We have only explored a small fraction of the oceans. In fact, more humans have walked on the moon than have visited the deepest spot in the sea.
Recommended for young folks interested in exploring the ocean, and anyone who loves beautiful book illustration.
March 26, 2014
Steve Jenkins takes readers down into the ocean and surveys which creatures live in which layers beneath the water. The informative text is accompanied by brightly colored art in Jenkins' typical paper collage style.
Things I liked; the measuring rod on the side of each page to show the depth, the colorful illustrations, the informative text (which is written at a middle school level), and the extra information in the back with more info on each item.
The science teacher in me wished he'd used the technical names for the different levels so it could even be used at the high school level, because this would make teaching ocean biomes much easier as students could visualize the typical organisms with the depth. It still could definitely be used in that unit, you'd just have to attach benthic and other technical terms to the right depths. (But that could make for a good accompanying activity.) I did find some of the information on the very low level creatures interesting. It would say things like size ranges from 8-12 inches, but really humans haven't observed enough of them to know what the range is. Jenkins does admit for the very lowest level that we aren't really sure what is typical because we've had so few opportunities to gather observations of those creatures, but that admission should have extended for a few pages above that I think.
A good non-fiction picture book resource for the science classroom, or just for animal lovers. The text is at a higher than normal reading level than is typical for picture books, so don't get this for a younger kid and expect them to be able to read it to themselves easily.
Things I liked; the measuring rod on the side of each page to show the depth, the colorful illustrations, the informative text (which is written at a middle school level), and the extra information in the back with more info on each item.
The science teacher in me wished he'd used the technical names for the different levels so it could even be used at the high school level, because this would make teaching ocean biomes much easier as students could visualize the typical organisms with the depth. It still could definitely be used in that unit, you'd just have to attach benthic and other technical terms to the right depths. (But that could make for a good accompanying activity.) I did find some of the information on the very low level creatures interesting. It would say things like size ranges from 8-12 inches, but really humans haven't observed enough of them to know what the range is. Jenkins does admit for the very lowest level that we aren't really sure what is typical because we've had so few opportunities to gather observations of those creatures, but that admission should have extended for a few pages above that I think.
A good non-fiction picture book resource for the science classroom, or just for animal lovers. The text is at a higher than normal reading level than is typical for picture books, so don't get this for a younger kid and expect them to be able to read it to themselves easily.
September 9, 2018
This is a gorgeously illustrated and really informative book about what's deep deep down in the bottom of the ocean. Great for elementary school aged kids interested in learning more about sea creatures.
March 3, 2011
I feel as though every review I leave for a Steve Jenkins book is just a copy of the whatever I read just before... but he is that consistent. This artist is brilliant at picking subjects that awe and intrigue young minds and stretch them to think in excited and curious ways. Whether is merely the illustrator or the collaborative writer and illustrator, his books grab our attention, feed our curiosity and launch conversation and further reading. Thanks to Jenkins, my not quite 4 year old is getting to think about about elementary and middle school sciences in a way that is accessible to him and fascinating.
This particular book divides the marine life into categories based upon the layer in which they dwell on the descent to the bottom of the sea. The pictures are a little scary but incredibly intriguing and the information is presented in a challenging but interesting text. All I can say is that this challenges the young reader to think of marine life beyond the beautiful pictures of colorful fish and dolphins. We love it.
This particular book divides the marine life into categories based upon the layer in which they dwell on the descent to the bottom of the sea. The pictures are a little scary but incredibly intriguing and the information is presented in a challenging but interesting text. All I can say is that this challenges the young reader to think of marine life beyond the beautiful pictures of colorful fish and dolphins. We love it.
July 10, 2020
This is a really neat book. We've been interested in sea creatures lately, and especially fascinated with the mysteries of the deep, so not only did this book provide more information about some well-known and also unknown-to-us sea creatures, but the information is organized so well that you really feel like you're on a tour down to the deepest part of the ocean. On the right side of each double-page spread, there's a marker showing how deep the creatures on that page live in comparison to the deepest part of the ocean, and it's a neat visual that shows just how little we know about so much of the ocean. The pictures are well done, and at the end there's information about each creature shown, including size comparisons vs. a human. It's a great format for people who like to have "stats" when they learn about environments and ecosystems.
December 1, 2011
My niece loved this book! She is very into sea life, so this one was just right up her alley. She sat quietly and listened to every word, and was carefully examining the pictures. The book made her ask lots of questions, "how, why, what's that," which made me happy, since I always have encouraged her to ask questions.
The book was too long to keep my nephew's interest (he's 4), but whenever a very unusual animal (or very cool animal--i.e., sharks) showed up, he did tune in again and ask about it.
The pictures, created using a variety of colors and papers, were wonderful to look at, and enhanced the interest of the story. This was just an excellent book!
The book was too long to keep my nephew's interest (he's 4), but whenever a very unusual animal (or very cool animal--i.e., sharks) showed up, he did tune in again and ask about it.
The pictures, created using a variety of colors and papers, were wonderful to look at, and enhanced the interest of the story. This was just an excellent book!
February 8, 2015
A fascinating look at creatures living in the deep recesses of the sea. I loved the way Jenkins set this book up, diving down deeper and deeper through the layers of the ocean. Sometimes I do wish that Jenkins books used real photographs, instead of his collage-style illustrations. I just have a personal preference for real images in a nonfiction book. This was really intriguing and I think my students would enjoy it!
October 3, 2012
I cannot possibly write a better review than my friend Dar who shared this book with me. The illustrations are wonderful! The charts are extremely useful. The short write-ups work well with the purpose of the book. All around, a great book to share with young children (though not really young, since some of the illustrations may prove too scary).
July 21, 2013
Excellent informational picture book exploring the levels and depth of ocean life and the undersea life that exists within them. Useful curriculum resource for spring-boarding into topical discussions about ocean life and their habitats. Interesting non-fiction picture book read aloud. Texas Bluebonnet nominee 2010-2011.
September 15, 2012
Another great book I wish I had known about when I was teaching my third graders. Great information and illustrations. Many age ranges will love this book. At the back of the book is additional information for those who need extra research done for them.
October 9, 2016
I'm a sucker for a cleverly organized informational book. Love the content, too - lots of new-to-me info
December 2, 2019
Genre: Informational Non-fiction
Theme: Layers of the ocean
Grade: Prek- 7
Awards: Cybils Awards, 2009, Finalist, Picture Book Nonfiction
Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Award, 2010, Honor
Summary: This book has really great illustrations of the animals that you would find at each layer of the ocean. As the book goes on it goes to deeper levels of the ocean.
Personal Response: I seem to really enjoy the informational books that I picked out for this project. The illustrations are always really well done along with good descriptions. The two pair well together because it gives the students something to picture in their mind.
Other info: I found the theme of this book would fit really well with any school curriculum. I specifically remember learning about the layers of the ocean, I just don't remember what grade that was. The illustrations all have very distinct features and they stick out on the page. I also like that the deeper the levels get, the background color on the page gets darker. Also, the author/illustrator put a bar that stays on the right side of the page showing the depth of each level. I like that idea because it gives the student a visual of what level they are at and how deep it is.
Connections: I could use this book for a science lesson about the levels of the ocean. I could demonstrate this by having them create a diorama or poster of some sort including the animals. I also could do a science experience to demonstrate how the different levels are created.
Theme: Layers of the ocean
Grade: Prek- 7
Awards: Cybils Awards, 2009, Finalist, Picture Book Nonfiction
Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Award, 2010, Honor
Summary: This book has really great illustrations of the animals that you would find at each layer of the ocean. As the book goes on it goes to deeper levels of the ocean.
Personal Response: I seem to really enjoy the informational books that I picked out for this project. The illustrations are always really well done along with good descriptions. The two pair well together because it gives the students something to picture in their mind.
Other info: I found the theme of this book would fit really well with any school curriculum. I specifically remember learning about the layers of the ocean, I just don't remember what grade that was. The illustrations all have very distinct features and they stick out on the page. I also like that the deeper the levels get, the background color on the page gets darker. Also, the author/illustrator put a bar that stays on the right side of the page showing the depth of each level. I like that idea because it gives the student a visual of what level they are at and how deep it is.
Connections: I could use this book for a science lesson about the levels of the ocean. I could demonstrate this by having them create a diorama or poster of some sort including the animals. I also could do a science experience to demonstrate how the different levels are created.
April 23, 2020
Steve Jenkins never ceases to wow me with his illustrations--they jump off the page! Even though this book is nonfiction, it still seems to have a narrative quality in the way the information is sequenced and the color story of the ocean and its creatures. I especially love how the book starts at the ocean’s surface, then moves deeper and darker in colors too. The latter part of the book details every spread again, with extra information about what was previously featured, like size references for the creatures. This would be a great book for lower elementary students to look at.
One thing this book features is size diagrams. When we think of sea creatures like fish or jellyfish, we don’t always imagine them to be HUGE. During a math lesson on measurement, you can use this book to reference size diagrams. The class can measure themselves with different objects around the classroom. Younger students often can’t imagine what 12 inches looks like, but could maybe imagine how big something is if it’s the size of your hand. For example, one student can compare their height to notebooks. A student could lay on the ground and see how many notebooks could be lined up next to them. The class could create a chart with how big they are compared to everyday objects.
This book could also be used in a read aloud to introduce the depths of the ocean. After reading, students can pretend to be in their own submarines and create posters of what they see outside their windows, based on the information featured in the book and other research.
One thing this book features is size diagrams. When we think of sea creatures like fish or jellyfish, we don’t always imagine them to be HUGE. During a math lesson on measurement, you can use this book to reference size diagrams. The class can measure themselves with different objects around the classroom. Younger students often can’t imagine what 12 inches looks like, but could maybe imagine how big something is if it’s the size of your hand. For example, one student can compare their height to notebooks. A student could lay on the ground and see how many notebooks could be lined up next to them. The class could create a chart with how big they are compared to everyday objects.
This book could also be used in a read aloud to introduce the depths of the ocean. After reading, students can pretend to be in their own submarines and create posters of what they see outside their windows, based on the information featured in the book and other research.
February 1, 2024
This book by Steve Jenkins takes a deep dive into the Pacific Ocean. It is a voyage down into the abyss of the different levels of the ocean, as he takes the readers through the Sunlit Zone, Twilight Zone, Dark Zone, Abyssal Plain, the Marianas Trench, and so many other features in the sea. Jenkins illustrates the variety of creatures and animals at each depth of the ocean, and details why they are in that part and what they do.
This book feels like a travel-log showing the depths of the ocean, and having a reader attached to the book to show what part the readers are in as they are going can be beneficial. The illustrations is what really stood out to me while reading this book due to the bright colors, the details of each creature. It was really fascinating as a reader to see how the facts and images connected and being able to imagine them in real life helped connect more to the information. I definitely would read this book again and think it would be very beneficial to carry in a classroom library.
This book could be used in the classroom during a science lesson. This allows students to not only see illustrations, but learn many different facts about the ocean through a story read aloud, and helping to capture their attention. To be paired with this, a vocabulary lesson and group game could be used, and also to aid in comprehension I would utilize some sort of crossword puzzle or word search. On these activities I would have students pair facts with different creatures or parts of the ocean, and fill out the sheet in pairs or individually.
This book feels like a travel-log showing the depths of the ocean, and having a reader attached to the book to show what part the readers are in as they are going can be beneficial. The illustrations is what really stood out to me while reading this book due to the bright colors, the details of each creature. It was really fascinating as a reader to see how the facts and images connected and being able to imagine them in real life helped connect more to the information. I definitely would read this book again and think it would be very beneficial to carry in a classroom library.
This book could be used in the classroom during a science lesson. This allows students to not only see illustrations, but learn many different facts about the ocean through a story read aloud, and helping to capture their attention. To be paired with this, a vocabulary lesson and group game could be used, and also to aid in comprehension I would utilize some sort of crossword puzzle or word search. On these activities I would have students pair facts with different creatures or parts of the ocean, and fill out the sheet in pairs or individually.
October 29, 2017
Summary:
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea discusses the life of animals within the ocean and their lifestyle. This book integrates math and science together to focus on the different types of fish and the proximity they live in.
Evaluation:
This book relays information about ocean life. The text also incorporates math into the text to discuss the distance the animals live and what their habitat is like. This book also has descriptive illustrations and labels each animal within the picture. As the book continues from beginning to end, it labels the distance and which area of the ocean it is within, also providing students with a spectrum of where it is within the ocean.
Teaching Idea:
I would use this book to focus on science standards, discussing the different types of environments animals live in. I would use this book to talk about different lifestyles of animals within the ocean and the types of environment and the depth of the ocean which each animal best lives in. I would also discuss micro-organisms and how they affect life, focusing on if they are harmful or beneficial.
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea discusses the life of animals within the ocean and their lifestyle. This book integrates math and science together to focus on the different types of fish and the proximity they live in.
Evaluation:
This book relays information about ocean life. The text also incorporates math into the text to discuss the distance the animals live and what their habitat is like. This book also has descriptive illustrations and labels each animal within the picture. As the book continues from beginning to end, it labels the distance and which area of the ocean it is within, also providing students with a spectrum of where it is within the ocean.
Teaching Idea:
I would use this book to focus on science standards, discussing the different types of environments animals live in. I would use this book to talk about different lifestyles of animals within the ocean and the types of environment and the depth of the ocean which each animal best lives in. I would also discuss micro-organisms and how they affect life, focusing on if they are harmful or beneficial.
May 15, 2023
This book dives the reader down into the ocean to learn about different types of fish. As you read you go deeper and deeper into the ocean and learn about what types of fish live there. The book also talks about the history of probes reaching the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The illustrations are collages of different paper to make up the different fish that live at the top of the ocean to the deepest and darkest reaches of the Mariana Trench. One thing that I love about this book is the dive meter on every page that tells the reader how far down are they and what’s the temperature of the water. The text in the book is primarily white and kind of hard to read at the beginning but once you read past the part where no light is visible in the ocean you can definitely read it better. This book is great for teaching kids about the many weird and fascinating fish that live in the deepest places on Earth.
April 21, 2021
"Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea" by Steve Jenkins is an informational text about oceans and the creatures that live within. This book covers facts and information of the ocean from the surface to the sea floor and the variety of creatures that live within. The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful and informative with labeling throughout which builds upon the informational nature of the book. This book would be phenomenal for grades 3-5 as an introduction to a unit about oceans or ocean creatures and/or for an individual project for students. This book was a WOW book for me because of the way Jenkins included information and facts into an engaging and beautifully illustrated way. I loved they way Jenkins built a subtle story throughout the book while continuing to educate children about the magical world under the sea.
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