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Saturday, March 23, 2019

Deep Underwater, by Irene Luxbacher, Groundwood Books, 2018. $18.95 ages 6 and up

"First, take a deep
breath and drift down,
down past the day. Stars
can only shine when the
light fades.

Deep underwater,
tentacles, antennae
and teeth disappear
into darkness ... and
an abyss becomes ... "

Sophia loves the sea, and everything about it. Because she does, she wants others to share the joy she feels while underwater. She invites readers to follow her below the surface to explore the many wonders there are to see and the secrets that the sea holds for those who venture into its depths.

She has a quiet, mesmerizing voice as she tempts readers to see what she sees.

" I know where dragons live and
where floating forests grow.
I've seen clowns and angels and
four-eyed butterflies ... "

Who among us would miss seeing such things ... if we ever had the chance?

The spectacular artwork 'was rendered by hand with graphite, watercolor, and acrylic paints, then digitally composed and printed using archival inks and papers. Final art was then further developed with graphite, soft-colored pencils and found collage materials'. Is it any wonder that it compels readers to stop, look, and spend time poring over its many details?

There are many questions to ask, and images to carefully consider. From the surface to the deeps and back again, all is calm and reassuring, yet full of adventure. There is no fear in the darkness. Your first trip with Sophia will not be the last ...

“Deep down, I never feel alone. I can always see a friend in me.”
                                                                   

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