The Dark!
By Lindsey Leigh
Middle grade illustrated nonfiction
Penguin Workshop, July 9, 2024; 96 pages
Series: Wild Life At…
Subrights Info
- Translation rights available via New Leaf
- UK/ANZ rights available via Penguin Random House
- Film/TV rights available via New Leaf
- Merchandising and commercial rights available via New Leaf
Crawl into the deepest corners of caves across the world and learn about the wonderfully weird creatures that live their lives in the dark! Did you know that some creatures that live in the dark have adapted to have no eyes? Or that some dark dwellers have extra long antennae so they can feel their way around their homes? Have you ever seen a troglobite?
Author-illustrator Lindsey Leigh introduces young readers to some of the weirdest and creepiest critters that thrive in the darkest corners of our planet in her uniquely funny and graphic style. This fact-filled book reveals the different ways that creatures of the dark have adapted to thrive in their environments, including slow movement and loss of pigment in their bodies to blend in with their surroundings. Readers will get to know aquatic cave leeches, tailless whip scorpions, cave beetles, the devil’s hole pupfish, worms, salamanders, and all kinds of bats.
Reviews
“Eye-catching, clear cartoon illustrations with text placed thoughtfully on the page to highlight the fascinating animals”
“As factually grounded as it is irresistibly fun.”
– Kirkus starred review
“In this droll but scientifically rigorous expedition into the depths, Leigh introduces dozens of creatures representing the “Three Ts” of cave dwellers: troglobites, or permanent residents; troglophiles, who venture out occasionally; and trogloxenes like bats, who just visit.”
– Booklist starred review
“Don’t be surprised if your kids want to head out to a cave and explore on their own after reading this one!”
– We Are Teachers, “Best New Books in July 2024 for Kids, Teens, and Teachers”
“My personal philosophy is that there are plenty of cuddly and charismatic animals that are universally loved, and people wouldn’t think twice about supporting their conservation efforts. But there are plenty of lesser known, perhaps less visually gifted animals that deserve our attention and support as well.”
– Teen Librarian Toolbox author guest post by Lindsey aboutThe Dark! and The Deep!
This book might appeal to fans of Everything Awesome About Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery, Science Comics: Coral Reefs by Maris Wicks, and Down, Down, Down by Steve Jenkins.
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Author Bio
Lindsey Leigh is an illustrator and comic artist originally from Maryland. She has a BFA in illustration from Syracuse University as well as an MA in graphic design from the Maryland Institute College of Art. In between, she also interned at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the entomology department, diligently illustrating beetles. Her work is inspired by mythology, folklore, and the natural world. Though her work ranges from the cozy and comforting to the unsettling and spooky, she aims to imbue even the scariest monster with a tender charm. She also has an encyclopedic knowledge of weird animal facts and a passionate love for snails and slugs. Her most recent books include Sick! and The Deep! She currently lives in Massachusetts. Visit Lindsey at http://www.lindseyleighart.com.
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