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

"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

"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