Mystery Fish

Children's Literature

Talk about a fish story! It all began when a woman named Marjorie Courtney-Latimer—who collected fish for a museum—found a giant, mysterious fish on a fishing boat. The fish was enormous, with pointy scales, lobed fins and a strange-looking tip on its tail. Unable to identify it, she contacted a scientist, J.L.B. Smith, who realized it was a coelacanth, a prehistoric fish thought to have died out when the dinosaurs did. This was an amazing find and scientists worked to find more—and living—coelacanth in order to study these "living fossils." As additional fish were discovered and studied, what was learned and—more tantalizing—what remains unknown about coelacanths became one of the most interesting true science stories of our times. Written for beginning readers, this book, part of the "On My Own" science series, should capture the imagination and interest of young readers, especially those who are interested in prehistoric creatures. With colorful, lifelike illustrations, a time line, a glossary and an index, this is a real find for children and adults who want to encourage reading and discovery in young children. 2006, Millbrook Press, Ages 6 to 10.
—Judy Crowder