Jess McGeachin, Deep, Dive into hidden worlds, Welbeck Editions, March 2022, 64 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781913519483
Deep by the talented and thoughtful author-illustrator Jess McGeachin is an exploration of what lies beneath. The reader is taken on a journey to the depths of the ocean, jungles, caves and space. We are introduced to the species that have adapted to these extreme environments. The reader is also taken underneath cities and inside the human body for a closer look at these deep places.
Readers will be familiar with Jess McGeachin’s work from titles such as Frankie and the Fossil, The Tree at Number 43 and Kind. Jess’s soft illustrative style pairs well with his often gentle and reflective texts. In contrast, Deep is an educational text and Jess tackles this new subject matter well. The acknowledgements reference several subject matter experts. Their time and expertise has been well used with information that educates but doesn’t overwhelm the reader. There is enough on each topic to inform the interested and to also inspire the curious to dig deeper (pardon the pun).
With a contents page, glossary and index Deep has all the elements important for young primary aged students learning how to use information books.
Throughout the text there is an encouragement to consider the impact of humans on these unique and diverse environments. This was a little inconsistent with more of a focus on plastics, rubbish and microplastics and no mention of deforestation, pollution, or space junk. The inclusion of such topics may have made for a more well-rounded but much longer text.
Another beautiful picture book from McGeachin that will be treasured by readers and with a sequel High, Soar to New Heights released in January 2023 this reader can’t wait to see where Jess takes us next.
Reviewed by Anne Varnes
