The Deep End: Real Facts About the Ocean – A Hilarious Nonfiction Picture Book About Pirates and Sea Creatures

by Drew Sheneman

Come along on an underwater adventure in The Deep End , an informative and hilarious nonfiction picture book by author-illustrator Drew Sheneman, that teaches kids everything about the deep blue sea! Ahoy, mateys! Have you ever wondered what lies at the bottom of the sea? Join Brownbeard the pirate and his first mate Alan the parrot as they explore the depths of the ocean! Here, you’ll find giant worms, anglerfish, vampire squid, and...THE KRAKEN?! Not only will you learn about the unusual bioluminescent creatures who live miles below, but also about ancient undersea explorers who used huge rocks to help themselves stay below the surface, how the first submarine worked, and why it is that the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean can make bones dissolve. (Wait, what??) So what exactly will you find deep down in the deep blue sea? This informative, hilarious, and 100-percent factual nonfiction picture book by award-winning author, illustrator, and cartoonist Drew Sheneman has all the answers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Nature

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 11, 2023

About the author

Drew Sheneman is an author, illustrator and nationally syndicated cartoonist. He has been drawing professionally since 1998 after becoming staff editorial cartoonist of The Star-Ledger, New Jersey's largest newspaper. Drew has won The Charles Schulz award from Scripps Howard, The John Locher Award from The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and The Deadline Award from The Society of Professional Journalists. Nope! is his first picture book.

Reviews

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book for my honest review.

Brownbeard the Pirate and his trusty parrot, Alan, plan to explore the oceans for treasure but instead discover the ocean is a treasure through the guidance of a helpful scientist. This book has the perfect mix of humor and facts so that kids (and parents!) aren’t inundated with too many facts as our trusty travelers explore the deep sea. They do mention the current ocean crisis but still are able to end on a high/funny note. A great first book for kiddos interested in the ocean and its depths.

[Kelly]

I loved the banter with the pirate. It could come off as corny, but it was actually well done. And as the author requested, I said it in my pirate voice. The end is funny, too. Great under the jacket reveal, too. I think this would be great for the Monarch list. It teaches you things but still at a basic level but also gives you new vocab for that age.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read probably 10 children's book about how deep the ocean is, and thank you, I get it! It is deep and it is dark.
BUT, I liked this book because it added something to it--the pirate and the pirate voice, makes this a more engaging book. I admit I don't have a pirates voice perfected, but, it worked in my head. If I had to pick of all the Deep Sea books, this is my favorite.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

I have to admit that for part of the book, I was annoyed by the chaotic banter between the scientist and Brownbeard but, in the end, I appreciate the fun delivery of ocean facts. The book ends with a conservation message, so that's good :)

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An introduction to information about the ocean delivered in a silly pirate narrative.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A weird but informative book about the depths of the ocean

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

facts and pirate fun to help readers learn a lot of interesting information about the deep sea! the humor is for the younger and older reader.

[Mackenzie Virginia]

Good information and accessibly presented. I found the pirate's asides to be very distracting but kids might think differently.

[E.G. Creel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old loves this book.

[Cap · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off with a pirate and parrot, and they did kind of stay in the story, but their presence was more annoying than anything. It also wasn't that informational.