This account of the cephalopods – octopus, squid, nautilus and cuttlefish – begin with the exciting account of a giant squid which, in 1872, dragged a ship below the surface of the sea, killing all on board. And throughout, the text combines exciting writing with factual information, describing hidden octopus watching scuba divers, squid moving “like living missiles” the vampire squid whose appearance resembles Dracula’s cape, the cuttlefish as quick-change artist. Many excellent close-up color photographs combine with the well-written text to produce a book irresistible to young readers. There is a brief glossary, but some terms may need additional explanation. Sections of this would make a good read-aloud.