When I chose this book I didn't have a clear mind as to what it may be about. There are plenty of "sea monsters" that are commonly suggested such as the pelican eel, various deep sea sharks, giant squids, etc. Instead this book is about "sea monsters" who are the lesser known offspring of other well known marine animals such as lobsters, jellys and sea stars to just name a few.

The book's writing is very informative but put in a nice and easy to read style for younger audiences. There are a few words that they may need help on while a bit of a pronunciation guide is given towards the front when the reader meets the upcoming stars within the book. And throughout the book is a nice friendly reminder to the reader that these are other "children" that we are learning about.

At the same time there is a combination of photographs and illustrated cycles to showcase various species. As a result the reader is introduced to what these monsters look, their home and what they look like after their change. At the same time with some of the species are full metamorphosis cycles that allow the reader to see the process from start to finish then repeat.

Another point of fact that I liked about the book is instead of just focusing on the introduced creatures the author also sometimes used a section to help readers to get to know another creature to help readers compare the two. Furthermore there is a nice little graph box in the back that allows the reader to see the stages it takes to get from baby to adult.

This is most definitely one of the books that I would recommend for those who like animals and want to get to know more about the natural world. Informative, clear and unpatronizing it will be a delightful read for those of any age.

***I received a free copy to read of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

Great book about the importance of marine invertebrate species
A book with amazing photographs of teeny-tiny creatures, makes me think about how they were taken. The main theme is to explain the metamorphosis as part of the life cycle of some marine species and their importance as part of the plankton. This complex process involves changes in form and behavior. Most of the animals that go through this transformation are invertebrates, the best known are the arthropods to which the insects belong, but the book focuses on marine arthropods.
I was surprised by some data such as jellyfish's ability to copycatting themselves and that some slugs use electric impulses to trigger their matamorphosis !! And there are many more interesting facts about marine invertebrates. The author reminds us of the importance of understanding life cycles to protect marine species and their ecosystems. To gather the information for this book she did a research and contacted several scientific colleagues experts in the subject. She provides us with links to websites and youtube videos so we can explore more on the subject.

It is a very interesting book to read next to our children and teenagers full of curiosity to understand the world. I recommend it to parents and educators in general, professors of science, biology and environmental education.

My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book

WHAT???? A book that is GREAT for young and old alike! I never knew nor even considered what underwater creatures go through! Incredible!

Fascinating book on an important topic. Very little is known about the diversity of life in oceans. This book introduces the complex process of metamorphosis of the ocean creatures in an engaging manner. A great addition for libraries, aquariums, oceanography studies, science centers and for curious people all over the world.

"Bizarre creatures are floating around in our oceans - squishy, slimy spiky-headed monsters. And they're not even grown up yet!" Once young readers look at the incredible cover image and then read that statement on the back, they will be hooked. The author shares amazing details of how various forms of sea life progress through the stages of metamorphosis until they finally reach their adult forms. Some float along at the whim of the currents, some propel themselves with cilia, others hitch a ride. Why? Because they are all in search of the perfect spot to settle down and reproduce. But between their birth and that moment when they carry on the species, there are plenty of dangers and challenges.

Along with the explanations and descriptions of all the assorted tricks of the trade that these small monsters employ to survive, there are also text boxes that pop out facts sure to grab attention. Did you know that crabs can self-amputate to escape a predator? And what youngster interested in animals wouldn't be curious about a creature like the hermit crab that eats its own exoskeleton after molting? (Talk about recycling!) The images show transparent nistos, salamanders with feathery gills, and luminous moon jellyfish, as well as many other denizens of the deep.

Montgomery quite truthfully states, "Scientists are still swimming in a sea of questions about metamorphosis." And as she says in her author's note, "maybe those unanswered questions were the most exciting part of it all." Sometimes we adults forget that youngsters don't realize there are still questions to explore that no one knows the answers to. Perhaps, if we are lucky, some of those young people in our lives will be inspired by books like this one to go out and find those answers.

I read an advance copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley. Any quotes came from that ARC and may differ slightly from the final text.

Little Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis under the Waves by Heather L. Montgomery is a children's nonfiction title that is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2019. Everyone knows that butterflies and frogs go through metamorphosis. But a number of sea creatures do too! Experienced science writer Heather L. Montgomery explores wacky details in the life cycles of some of the world's most bizarre and fascinating ocean animals in this fresh spin on a highly curricular topic.

Little Monsters of the Ocean is a fascinating look at how some ocean life changes as it grows. Most people know insects and amphibians change as they grow, but I never thought much about creatures in the ocean. I had no idea how much crabs changed, and I know my children have no clue (at least until they read this)! THe text and images do a good job of explaining the vocabulary and processes involved without talking down to readers or oversimplifying the topic. I was completely enthralled with the read and learned so much about these ocean creatures as an adult, I think interested readers of all ages will be just as amazed as I was. While even scientists that study these creatures still do not know all the answers about how and why these things happen as they do, most of the answers we do have are included here. I like that the author also points out that we do not have all the answers, and that more study can answer some of them we might never know it all. I am hoping this mixture of science facts and explanations, and our unanswered questions, will help readers understand just how wild the world is and encourage them to study and explore further. I also like that the author included a metamorphosis cart, glossary, and further resources for readers to explore in the endpapers. Extras like that are always a great addition to a book, and help interested readers continue their explorations.

Little Monsters of the Ocean is well written, informative, and simply fascinating. Whenever you start to feel like you have a good understanding of nature, take a look at the crazy life forms in the ocean in books like this, and you will see just how little we all know.

My 9 year old son and I really enjoyed reading Heather L. Montgomery's "Little Monsters of the Ocean". It was incredibly interesting to learn about the metamorphosis of so many ocean creatures. My son was especially intrigued by how vastly different many of the larvae are from their final adult form such as the Atlantic Blue Crab, and the moon jellyfish. The photography is captivating, it's phenomenal how well detailed the images are given that many are of microscopic plankton. My son and I both give this book 5 stars!

Little Monsters of the Ocean is a good collection of the mysterious and unknown species from the deep oceans. As a scientist, the author is able to add actual facts and references that use in class. She explains the life cycle of each creature with an educational and creative way. This book can be used with children from 8 to 11 years old.

Most kids animal books are either about the super familiar or the really weird looking ones. It's not often that we get a book about undersea life, especially the very small creatures. It can be a challenge to make them interesting to the average reader. And that's the genius of this book. By framing them as monsters our interest is piqued. so then we're more open to learning about metamorphosis and the like.

Heather Montgomery is at it again – making the study of animals a lot of fun. Her new book Little Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis Under the Waves relates to the idea of metamorphosis that children will already have in the life cycle of the butterfly and takes them under the ocean to other animals from minute to large sea animals that undergo the process.

The experienced science educator knows how to prompt the interest of children with the unusual like the mosquito larva that hangs below the water and breathes through a snorkel that sticks out of his tail. Then she gets into eating habits – the hermit crab eating her old exoskeleton, the jellyfish polyp that can live up to three years without food, or the zombie worm that feeds on dead whalebones.

With a wealth of interesting scientific information in her book, Heather also compares things we know with things we don’t know and explores the meaning and usefulness of a scientific hypothesis. Other learning bonuses in the book are the intriguing photographs of her subjects, a chart of life cycles, and a glossary. All of this is infused with Heather’s delightful kid-friendly sense of humor. This book makes a nice companion on her previous book that I reviewed, Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill.

My recommendation would be not to let kids have this fun all by themselves. This book lends itself to reading aloud together whether a teacher uses it with a classroom or a significant adult sits and reads it with a child on the couch sharing a cozy afghan. Just be sure to allow time for the discussions that will be inevitable!

Interested in sea life? You have to read this book! Full of information and cute images, you can get an in-depth look at life beneath the ocean and the many different creatures that inhabit its spaces.

Great book for kids! My boys and I loved this one! We spent a couple of hours pouring over the images and different facts given!
As a homeschool mom, this was perfect for an afternoon of animal science! We now have a few new creatures to look at in our upcoming semester!

Little Monsters of the Ocean is a fascinating book on a few of the animals in the sea that go through metamorphosis, like the blue crab. It’s full of amazing facts and stunning photography. I learned so many facts while reading this children’s book. For example, when a whale dies and sinks to the bottom of the ocean animals can live off that dead whale for 50 years! Wow! Here’s another fun fact, when a blue crab molts he often eats his exoskeleton for the calcium. Ew!
For children wanting to learn more about the creatures in the ocean, this is a great book! Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
LanaLCole@yahoo.com

I can sum up this book in one word: WOW! I would have loved it as a kid, and I love it as an adult. While it is a nonfiction book, it is definitely one that people will read for the fun of learning. Montgomery includes pictures on every page that help being the ocean and some of its creatures to life for readers who may never have the chance to go under the water. Very informative, in a non-lecturing or instructing way, that will encourage readers to keep asking questions.

Thank you NetGalley and Millbrook Press for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy and learn more about the life cycle of the blue crab and other sea life.

<i>Little Monsters of the Ocean</i> by Heather L. Montgomery is a book that I would not be surprised to find in my school. I've encountered a number of very similar books in my time working there and I could definitely see how this might be a fun and informative read for students who enjoy learning about the world of the ocean. Even I, upon noticing this book, grew quite curious due to the rather odd creatures that can be found within the depths of the sea.

<i>Little Monsters of the Ocean</i> takes readers on an informative journey, using creative language both to educate and keep the interest of young readers. The pictures included throughout this book are really intriguing and fun to look at, though I imagine there are some who might find them kind of creepy. I've personally a bit of morbid curiosity about these strange looking ocean dwellers.

I enjoyed reading this book and I would certainly enjoy using it with some of my students. The book has several chapters featuring different pieces of the lives of these creatures, beginning with a description of how many more creatures go through a period of metamorphosis in their lives than many of us initially realize. I enjoyed learning about these creatures, especially the blue crab and the lobster.

I'll admit, the goofy language wasn't for me but I can see where it would keep a lot of kids' attention.

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>