I’m keeping with this year’s Summer Reading Club theme of “Under the Sea” and sharing another poem about an oddly named sea creature. This time we’re hearing from the vampire squid, which, as should perhaps surprise no one at this point, is neither a vampire, nor a squid. Far from being a blood-sucker, this deep sea cephalopod is actually a scavenger, drifting through dark waters scooping up mouthfuls of “marine snow” – an appetizing blend of fish scales, poop, mucus, and floating bits of dead and decaying animals. Mmmmm!
The vampire squid is incredibly cool, with massive eyes (among the largest of any creature relative to body size) that let them see where they’re going in the murky twilight waters of their deep water home. Unlike many of their fellow cephalopods they cannot shift their colour, but they do have bio-luminescent organs at the tip of each of their tentacles. They also have the slowest metabolism of any cephalopod, which helps them conserve energy in an environment where both oxygen and food are in short supply.
I really do love this year’s watery theme – the ocean is an incredible environment, full of strange and familiar creatures that are sure to amaze and delight young readers. For kids who devour nonfiction, like my son, this theme ties into so many amazing nonfiction titles that are sure to keep them diving down for more!
I’d definitely recommend checking out OCEANARIUM – this book is absolutely stunning, the vintage-style illustrations alone make it worth pouring over, so you can take in every intricate detail. The text is longer, so it’s best suited to older children, or as a read-aloud for younger oceanographers, but it’s worth it just for the illustrations alone.
Have an absolutely wonderful week, fellow poetry friends, and be sure to check out Patricia‘s round up for this week’s Poetry Friday. Oh, and to my fellow Canadians, enjoy your long weekend! Thanks, Queen Victoria!
Such a delightfully kid-friendly poem, Jane—and I loved lingering on the pages of Oceanarium!
Have—my apologies if this is a repeat. I can’t tell if my first response went through. Your poem is delightfully kid-friendly —a I’m a huge fan of oceansrium. I linger on the art-especially the whales!
Your poem is so appealing to kids! Could this be the start of a collection? Thanks for sharing it and the incredible book.
You made the vampire squid fun, not scary! Thank you. And YES to the Oceanarium and all the wonders behind that blue door!
What a fun poem!! Love learning more about the Vampire Squid. 🙂
Love your vampire squid poem-so fun, especially the vampire references, and thanks for the book recommendation!!!
Gotta love a squid poem. This one is lively with its rhythm and rhyme. And who knew? Thanks for the book recommendation. My grandchildren love learning about unusual animals.
Jane, oh my, vampire squid lunch will capture kid’s attention, for sure! Fun poem and exploration of this unique creature. I agree so many kids devour nonfiction, and your poem is a great invitation to read more:) Happy Poetry Friday and long weekend in Canada!
At first I read your title as “Vampire Squad!” Not a vampire and not a squad!!
Such a fun summer reading theme!
Bwa ha ha ha ha! This looks like it was as fun to write as it is to read. Well done. I love that you are working with kids. This poem suits that perfectly!
I never even heard of a vampire squid! Thank you for that, and for the delightful poem.
Thank you for teaching me about the vampire squid! Sounds like a great book for ocean lovers! Thank you!
I’m going backwards (as I missed Poetry Friday last week) but I’m seeing the possibility of a delightful poetry-picture book in the making with your last two posts!