Creatures of the Deep In Search of the Sea's Monsters and the World They Live In

"Winner, Outstanding Nonfiction Book of the Year"
– American Society of Journalists and Authors, 2014-06-01
 

Praise for the first edition:

"More than a picture book [...] Hoyt's elegant writing provides both the historical background for deep-sea exploration and an ecological perspective on life in the ocean's depths."
– American Scientist, 2001-11-01

"A brisk history of deep sea research [...] as engagingly descriptive as he is instructive, Hoyt takes readers on an extensive tour through the underwater zones [...] Teen science buffs will enjoy the photographs and Hoyt's animation and clarity."
– Donna Seaman, Booklist 2001-12-01

"Erich Hoyt, an award-winning science writer, gives readers an amazing tour of the ocean world through an underwater camera in this fascinating book. He examines former and current sea monsters which dwell at various depths of the ocean. His purpose is to dispel misconceptions and turn these monsters into animals worthy of humans' respect, patient curiosity and admiration. This book has several strengths: the text provides a wealth of interesting information; the colour photographs are no less than fabulous, affording readers a glimpse into the murky ocean world; and, perhaps, most important of all, Hoyt's obvious passion for the ocean and the myriad life forms it harbors comes through loud and clear. Highly Recommended."
– Gail Hamilton, Canadian Materials 2002-03-01

"Creatures of the Deep separates monster fact from fiction, with nature writer Erich Hoyt plunging to the depths of the world's oceans in search of the ogres."
–Paul Allen, Geographical [UK], 2002-03-01

"Accompanied by stunning photographs of little-known creatures [...] the detailed but highly readable text traces a history of myths and discoveries of the oceans."
–The Globe and Mail, 2001-11-24

"Hoyt [...] shares his enthusiasm for and knowledge about the extraordinary creatures of the deep sea [...] [The book has a] knowledgeable and accessible approach to marine life and high quality photography."
– Mary Nickum, Library Journal, 2001-12-01

"Hoyt unravels the complex predator-prey relationships from "killer" copepods to battles among giant squids and sperm whales, presenting compelling portraits of animals that are superbly adapted denizen of a dark high-pressure world."
– Newsletter of the National Association of Science Writers [UK], 2002-01-01

"Combines dramatic photographs with extraordinary tales of undersea life."
– Publishers Weekly 2001-10-01

"The most striking element [...] are the more than 150 color photographs that capture everything from sea cucumbers to vampire squids in all their watery glory."
–Rachel Robb, Quill and Quire 2001-10-01

"The general summary of the ocean's layers, specific views of the selected "monsters," and the perspective of the life and environment interaction combine to make this book a splendid overview. The photographs, sidebars, and unique life-forms presented offer opportune ways of catching the attention of reluctant readers."
– Pam Johnson, School Library Journal, 2002-02-01

"A bevy of interesting creatures [...] The book benefits tremendously from vivid color photographs of the featured creatures."
– Science News, 2001-09-22

"The deep is a wondrous place, Hoyt tells us convincingly. It is another world, concealing mysteries locked up in mountain chains and valleys that may hold the key to how life began at all."
– Judith Isabella, Victoria Times Colonist, 2002-01-20

"Outstanding photographs and a well-written, enthusiastic text [...] a worthwhile addition to school science collections."
– Rayna Patton VOYA [Voice of Youth Advocates], 2002-04-01