The Search for Carmella

Marine biologist and explorer, Dr Rose loves everything about the sea and since being little, she has loved to listen to tales about a mysterious beast which roams the deep, known as Carmella. With a team of adventurous scientific friends, she sets off with Anne, a brilliant submersible pilot, down into the depths of the deep to see if they can find Carmella.

As Dr Rose and Anne make this special journey together, the reader is treated to the most gorgeous illustrations which are so evocative of the mystery and wonders of the deep- and is immediately able to share the joke as Carmella appears without being noticed by the intrepid explorers! There are so many wonderful details to notice, offering much to discuss and excite curiosity about the depths of the ocean. There are so many humorous touches - the keys to wind the submarine and the boat, the activities of what look like a team of mechanical crabs and so on- which make this a wonderfully engaging and satisfying story to share whether with a class, small group or one-to-one.

There is another theme to this story, however. In her wish to solve the mystery and find Carmella, Dr Rose doesn’t seem to appreciate the full beauty of what she is seeing in the moment. Gentle reminders from Anne are needed to pull her attention to the here and now to enjoy the sights in front of her- a valid lesson for all of us. In her wisdom, Anne reflects that it is not such a bad thing that they haven’t found Carmella as some things are too wonderful to be explained. Such a joyful sentiment!

I absolutely loved ‘The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish’ and am delighted to find that ‘The Search for Carmella’ is just as special.

The Search for Carmella

Chloe Savage

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529503302

You can read my review of The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish here.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish

What Magic Lies Beneath?

Dr Morley is fascinated by jellyfish and longs to find the elusive giant Arctic jellyfish. With a dedicated crew supporting her, she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime into the Arctic Circle. However, for all the wonders and beauty surrounding them, there is no sign of sign of the jellyfish she is seeking… or is there?

This is so much to love about this beautiful book. Dr Morley is a determined, resourceful scientist who pursues her research with resilience and courage. On their voyage to the Arctic, she and her crew witness so many natural wonders, but the elusive Giant Arctic Jellyfish cannot be found. The reader, of course, is gleefully in the know- almost tempted to shout ‘it’s behind you’ -as the crew gaze in the wrong direction, dive on the wrong side of an algae cloud and admire other creatures. Superbly illustrated, there is so much to notice, discuss and enjoy in the pictures that this book is sure to become a firm favourite, visited again and again.

The story ends with the perfect hint of hope that all that work, patience and devotion will be rewarded just as the crew were on the verge of admitting defeat. This is one of those books which is a complete gift to teachers for inspiring discussions, role play, research, developing vocabulary and resulting in stunning writing. There are so many spreads which should be lingered over… I really cannot choose my favourite, although the cut through of the ship above is high on the list. True picture book treasure!

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish Chloe Savage

Walker ISBN: 978-1406391886