The Dark!

Starred review from May 15, 2024
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* In this droll but scientifically rigorous expedition into the depths, Leigh introduces dozens of creatures representing the "Three Ts" of cave dwellers: troglobites, or permanent residents; troglophiles, who venture out occasionally; and trogloxenes like bats, who just visit. The book covers everything from bacteria that clings in sheets to rock walls "like giant globs of snot!" to bugs, fish, salamanders, birds, early humans, and (believe it or not) elephants. Readers will note that a surprising number of these are found in just one locale in the world and, often, in unique ecosystems, so the author's warning that many are threatened by habitat destruction or climate change will come as no surprise. To fill in the background, she discusses types of caves in land, sea, and ice and the processes that form them; highlights distinctive mineral structures, from stalactites to cave flowers and pearls; and lists notable cave systems worldwide. In her cartoon illustrations, the pale, eyeless olm (which looks like an axolotl, she writes, but has a "longer, noodlier body") and other residents with "weirder and weirder" adaptations comment in dialogue balloons: "I have legs for days!" boasts a centipede; "They got my nose just right!" comments a feline art critic admiring a cave painting. It's enough to turn young audiences into trogloxenes themselves.

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Starred review from June 15, 2024
Leigh follows up The Deep! (2023)--a dive into undersea life--with a celebration of cave-dwelling creatures. This work of graphic nonfiction starts with a brief, easily digestible introduction to caves before moving on to its true focus: the animal inhabitants. The longest section is devoted to the troglobites, full-time cave dwellers that have adapted to a life of total darkness; other sections cover the troglophiles, which spend at least part of their life cycles in caves, and the trogloxenes, such as bats and bears, that just show up for visits. Double-page spreads explore selected cave animals, offering fascinating tidbits--such as the difference between an olm and an axolotl--sure to tempt youngsters into learning more about their favorite critters. Leigh's strong sense of humor is on display throughout, from plainly stated facts about animals' bodily excretions to moments where the creatures--occasionally anthropomorphized but always accurately depicted--offer quirky commentary through speech bubbles. Although she occasionally mentions how these creatures can benefit people (for instance, studying the Mexican tetra, a fish with high blood sugar, might help us treat diabetes), for the most part, she encourages readers to love these places and species for their own sake. Final sections spotlight cool caves around the world (like Vietnam's Son Doong cave, which is so big that it contains a rainforest in it), humanity's own history with caves, and the dangers humans pose to such environments. As factually grounded as it is irresistibly fun. (index) (Graphic nonfiction. 8-12)

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July 1, 2024

Gr 3-7-Strap on your headlamp and dive into The Dark to learn about caves and the animals that live in them. With a clear introduction of what a cave is, this well-organized, nonfiction comic book digs into the types of animals that call caves home, full- and part-time. Creepy crawlies that kids love are explored, including threatened and endangered species such as salamanders, various fish, bats, and all sorts of insects-even humans are covered! The author illuminates various animal adaptations in interesting ways that will capture readers' attentions. Also highlighted are unique caves of the world, the importance of caves to humans throughout history, and cave conservation. The author did a wonderful job creating eye-catching, clear cartoon illustrations with text placed thoughtfully on the page to highlight the fascinating animals. Pronunciation guides and definitions throughout clarify new ideas and vocabulary. Animals are given quirky personalities with conversation bubbles, adding humor to keep readers interested. VERDICT With its compelling layout and interesting facts, this is an engaging book.-Melisa Bailey

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