GLOW

The phenomenon of bioluminescence is explored with photographs of animals that make their own light and discussion of some possible purposes for this interesting adaptation.

Fireflies and fish, fungi and octopuses, squids, eels, worms, superlong siphonophores and tiny dinoflagellates are all shown in striking photographs on a black background. A two-level text allows for reading aloud or reading alone. A short sentence or two per page, in large type, introduces the phenomenon. In smaller type, animals are identified, and there's a short explanation of how they use the light they make. The backmatter reveals that most of these organisms are not glowing all over, as the undersea photographs (taken with flash) suggest, but only in some parts of the body. Thumbnail drawings show exactly which portions light up: the tip of the lure on an angler fish, the heads of the cockatoo squid and glowworm, ejections from the vampire squid and green bomber worm, the entire fox fire mushroom and brittle star. Here there are also Latin names, sizes, and where these interesting creatures can be found, on land around the world and in the ocean depths.

This eye-catching introduction to a science mystery will surely make its audience want to know more.