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!