The Search for Carmella by Chloe Savage – Book Review

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A stunning book about wonder, bravery, and the freedom to pursue your curiosity from the author-illustrator of The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish.

Ever since Dr Rose was a little girl paddling in rock pools, she has always loved the sea and exploring the weird and wonderful creatures living there. Now, as a marine biologist, Dr Rose is in search of a sea creature rumoured to reside within its hidden depths; one that many speak of, but no one has ever seen – Carmella. With her team of scientists and explorers, she will descend to the unfathomable dark of the deep ocean in a slick submersible, to discover the incredible, and almost unbelievable, creatures that inhabit a nearly pitch-black world.

From the author who brought us The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish comes a new adventure into the unknown, The Search for Carmella.

In this children’s storybook we meet Dr Rose who is a marine biologist and explorer. All her life she has heard tales of a huge sea creature that people call ‘Carmella’. Not knowing whether the legend of this creature is true or not she and a crew of scientists set out to try to find Carmella, a kind of squid/octopus creature.

The book is full of joy and wonder. It isn’t quite as amusing as the first book but still enjoyable. I was expecting the story of Dr Morley from the first book to continue and for this to feature her but there is a different scientist in the protagonist seat this time which I thought was a bit of a shame as I’d love the series to have carried on with the same doctor.

The illustrations are superb and bring the story to life, especially the drawings of Dr Rose in the submersible and the creatures hidden in the deepest darkest waters.

Overall, The Search for Carmella is a fabulously entertaining read that I am sure will capture the imaginations of young readers. It also shows children that science isn’t dull and can be very fascinating.

Chloe Savage received a BA in TV and film set design from Cardiff University in Wales and an MA in children’s book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art in England. She has worked in opera, film, and television, but says she discovered her passion for illustration and storytelling while doodling on call sheets. The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish was her first book. A great lover of food and the seaside, Chloe Savage lives in England.

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