The Dark!: Wild Life in the Mysterious World of Caves

by Lindsey Leigh

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? There many different types of troglobites including the fearless waterfall-climbing cave fish, the mutant Mexican tetra, and the mystifying olm.

Author and 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.

Praise for Lindsey Leigh's The Deep!
“A buoyant undersea venture. Leigh draws her teeming wildlife in accurate detail.”-- Kirkus Reviews , starred review

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Childrens, Middle Grade, Nature, Graphic Novels, Science

96 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Maine Student Book Award nominee for 25|26.

This was a very informative look at the life within caves. I know many of my students will enjoy this one!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I learned so much about the creatures that live in caves!

[Natalie]

The book starts by explaining what caves are and how they form. Then there is an extensive overview of different types of cave animals that is divided into sections based on how the animals interact with the cave. Troglobites are permanent cave residents, Troglophiles are part time cave residents, and Trogloxenes are temporary cave visitors. Subjects like adaptation, symbiosis, echolocation, and hibernation are explored. Several famous and unique caves are featured and there is a short section on human cave history. The book has an index and link to the National Speleological Society at the end. This is a very detailed, thorough book that will be great for any child who is really interested in the subject of caves and animals. The amount of text on the page may make it a bit harder for some readers who may need to read with an adult. The text does provide pronunciations for some of the more complicated words but would benefit greatly from a definitions/terms section near the index.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brightly colored nonfiction book about caves around the world features first and foremost the animal creatures that dwell in the caves in addition to noting the structures that make the animals the way they are who live permanently inside the cave systems or the ones that visit only occasionally.

You can bounce around the book if you'd like rather than reading it cover to cover but it's the kind of cool information that kids love to learn about and share with others or that teachers can show to their students to demonstrate that truth is often stranger than fiction. I was personally intrigued by the olm which is an eyeless salamander as well as the little-known dragon god cave loach that was discovered in 2009 in a Chinese cave.

Plus I also now want to visit Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark! by Lindsey Leigh provides readers with detailed information about life in the world's caves. After an overview of what caves are and where they are found, readers are introduced to the three different types of residents in caves, referred to as the 3-Ts (troglobites, the permanent cave residents; troglophiles, part-time cave residents; and trogloxenes, cave visitors). Divided by type of resident, the book shares an abundance of information about the different life forms, from fish to crustaceans to insects, that are specially adapted for their lives in caves. Vibrant illustrations, extensive information, and bits of humor combine for a fact-filled and engaging nonfiction read.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I really liked this! Based on my prior knowledge, the information seems accurate, but there was no bibliography. There were no notes! How can you trust the information, if you do not know where it came from? There is more to that point, but that is whole other conversation.

Verdict: I really like the illustrations and I thought it was approachable. I could have gone with more pronunciation guides and it definitely needed a bibliography, but I do like the book.

[Liz Paruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful and educational read for kids. Filled with facts and information on different types of cave dwelling creatures and the caves they live in. The book was well written and was filled with humor to entertain children and adults alike. The vibrant illustrations brought the information to life. Truly a perfect non-fiction addition to any kids home library!

[Mrs. B. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star informational text that reads like the back page of the comics. Tons of info, fun gross facts that kids love, great engaging illustrations by the author Lindsey Leigh. A quick read. Doesn’t have to be read in order. Science teachers should have this one on their shelves!

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally loved it and it kept my 6 year old interested far longer than any other books have. Would have preferred more than just a shoutout to caves.org on the final page but apart from that it’s a fast paced and fun read for all ages.

[Alissa Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information with a little bit of humor. The illustrations are well done.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one! I learned a lot, and I think kids will too. My one small quibble is that some of the info is tough to read due to dark text on a dark background.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cartoon-style book describing the myriad animals that live in caves around the world, from salamanders to bats to oilbirds.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, in a humorous way, gives readers facts on a variety of weird animals in a variety of cave types. The cartoon-style illustrations are perfect for the funny text.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with lots of cool information and illustrations about caves and the ecosystems inside of them.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully detailed and fact based book to share with a curious 8 year old. Truly enjoyed learning about the creatures and spaces in this book together.