Review by Cath Ayres
Candlewick Press, 2023
32 Pages, Hardcover, $24.99 CAD, 9781536228519
Picture book, ages 4-8
Fiction, Science/Nature
Read our Interview with Chloe Savage Here
To help guide their search, Dr. Morley leads her team to collect important measurements and scientific samples. Anything that will help them to seek out the giant Arctic jellyfish.
They dive deep beneath the ice, hoping to catch even a glimpse of a tentacle…
A scientist embarking on an expedition culminating a lifetime of work meets her match when the focus of her research refuses to be found. Dr. Morley’s love of jellyfish takes her far from home, as she and her crew board their bright red research vessel and head to the great white north. Their journey to the Arctic Circle sees the scientists pass through frigid landscapes and seascapes, where they encounter narwhals, orca and polar bears. But, never so much as a whisper of the giant Arctic jellyfish. The crew is resilient, and Dr. Morley remains determined until the bitter end. And yet, it’s only once all hope is lost that the magic of nature reveals itself…
This stunning debut is a celebration of science, perseverance and the mystery of the deep. It’s a reflection on the constant striving for success and achievement, the power of acknowledging your efforts, and the strength in letting go. Ultimately, The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish is a celebration of teamwork. Dr. Morley is never alone in her efforts, and her dedicated crew are not relegated to background characters. While they are not named, the scientists each have distinct personalities and unique experiences throughout the journey (along with some impressive mustaches!). In scenes with multiple red-coated figures, Dr. Morley blends seamlessly with her colleagues. Together, they work towards the same goal, and share in the same triumphs and disappointments. Savage wordlessly crafts her main character as strong, empathetic and driven. This is truly impressive, given Dr. Morley is never more than two inches tall on the page.
The indisputable delight of this book, though, is in the illustrations. Delicately layered watercolour builds from pale grey skies to vibrant blue seas, contrasted with pops of vivid red – a safety precaution for the team of scientists, and a visual feast for readers. Savage’s keen eye for depicting light can be seen in the numerous cut spreads, contrasting the starkly bright ice with the murky depths below, and all the variations in between. The slow emergence of Dr. Morley’s prized jellyfish adds a sneaky seek-and-find element to the story that is sure to delight young readers. Expect to be flicking back and forth as you try to find it on each page! Similarly, plan to spend some time poring over the detailed cross section of the research ship, which is filled with intricacies and Easter eggs. Savage navigates the delicate balance between fantasy, mystery and reality with ease. Who’s to say this jellyfish isn’t really out there, playing hide and seek with crew of scientists in the Arctic? And who’s to say research vessels don’t have four-poster-beds, en suites and indoor ferns?
The combination of lush watercolour seascapes, vibrant prose, and the trust placed in readers to understand and empathize with both intrepid scientist and cautious jellyfish, is a truly magical medley. Savage’s sophomore picture book, The Search for Carmella (releasing in Canada in February 2025), will feature a new expedition led by a female scientist, seeking another marvelously mythical creature. Future projects see her tackling space travel and jungle exploration with the same verve. Chloe Savage is a formidable talent with a unique point of view and a passion for celebrating the strength of women and the magic of science. This book, and its author, is sure to inspire the marine biologist in us all.
Cath completed their B.Ed and M.Ed in Australia, and worked as a teacher for several years before moving to Vancouver to study a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature. Cath is a big fan of beautiful illustrations, rich language, and authentic queer representation.
YOUNG ADULTING 