FOURTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT JELLYFISH

This inspiring meditation on ancient ocean dwellers combines scientific rigor with poetic wonder.

Weatherford’s 14 lyrical verses illuminate jellyfish from multiple angles—biological, mythological, historical—transforming facts into language that pulses with rhythm. The text moves fluidly between dramatic declarations and quiet observations, mirroring the jellies’ own graceful movements. Readers learn that these brainless, spineless marvels predate dinosaurs by eons, that certain species glow with bioluminescence, and that some carry lethal venom while others drift harmlessly. Ibatoulline’s extraordinary mixed-media illustrations shift styles throughout, showcasing the book’s remarkable range. Luminous blue spreads capture jellies suspended in water, their translucent forms popping against the deep ocean darkness, the cool colors and vertical lines creating serene, hypnotic movement. Pages that look as though they’re from a scientific notebook filled with detailed anatomical sketches ground the work in natural history. Graphic panels depicting a jellyfish stinging a young diver use sharp diagonals and bold typography to convey danger and urgency. A scene of silhouetted figures observing aquarium tanks relies on negative space and scale, underscoring the beauty and awe of this “slow-motion water ballet.” The seamless integration of varied artistic approaches—from naturalistic painting to technical illustration—makes each spread feel distinct yet cohesive; this thought-provoking marriage of art and science celebrates both knowledge and mystery.

An imaginative triumph as mesmerizing as the creatures it portrays.