Giant cuttlefish: chameleon of the sea
Follow the fascinating chameleon of the sea—a dazzling, hypnotic mystery that changes its appearance many times in order to survive and thrive.
Peering into the face of a giant cuttlefish is like gazing at a creature from another planet. Eight arms grow out of its head, two suckered feeding tentacles shoot out from pouches below its eyes, and a fearsome beak hooks its prey. In a blink, the giant cuttlefish changes the color and texture of its skin. Blending into its surroundings, the camouflaged fish evades predators, tricks prey, and throws rivals off-balance. With its otherworldly features, superior eyesight, and an ability to learn complex behavior, this remarkable cephalopod has survived for 500 million years. Elaine M. Alexander and illustrator Mike Orodán give readers a clear and close-up look at the smartest and largest of all mollusks, the rock star of the ocean, the chameleon of the sea: the giant cuttlefish. Back matter includes brief explorations into its life cycle, adaptations, hunting behavior, mating, and threats to survival, as well as a glossary and bibliography. in the darkest part of the ocean, visit a primordial, fierce-toothed fish that draws in prey with its own bioluminescent lure.
Releases on April 14, 2026
Anglerfish: The seadevil of the deep
Deep in the darkest part of the ocean, visit a primordial, fierce-toothed fish that draws in prey with its own bioluminescent lure.
Dive thirteen thousand feet below the ocean’s surface, where no ray of sunlight can penetrate. Resources are scarce, and fellow inhabitants scarcer. This is life in the midnight zone—life for the anglerfish, known as the Seadevil of the Deep. Still largely a mystery to scientists, the deep-sea anglerfish is a true source of fascination and awe. To some, the fish resembles a prehistoric creature forgotten by time; to others, she is the embodiment of power, grace, and grit, using her remarkable physical attributes and a talent for deception to survive one of the harshest environments on the planet.
In Anglerfish, author Elaine M. Alexander and illustrator Fiona Fogg shine a small light on this mesmerizing, unforgettable creature. A captivating text paired with stunning artwork complement not only STEM but also language arts and history curricula. More facts about the anglerfish—from how it hunts to the surprising way a female mates with far tinier males—await curious readers in the back matter.
Bank Street College of Education Cook Prize Winner
School/Library visits
Simple Story Time
Read-aloud of ANGLERFISH followed by Q&A. Paper craft can be provided upon request.
Best suited for ages 4-8
Pricing varies depending on travel
Looking for something different for an author visit? Email me!
Specialty Story Times
Mrs. Claus or other special themed story hours. Craft can be provided upon request. Please contact me for pricing.
***Local Only
About Elaine
As an author and a librarian, books play a big role in my life!
Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep is my first nonfiction picture book. It has received both an SCBWI Barbara Karlin Grant, a Katherine Paterson Prize and was a Gold Medalist for the Bank Street College’s Cook Prize.
I’m pleased to share that I’ll have a second fishy-tale coming out in April of 2026 featuring the giant cuttlefish, followed by a book on fireflies!
A fan of dark mysteries and the natural world, I am fascinated by all things extraordinary and unique. I write stories for all ages. I have one published teen novel, Death at Deacon Pond, and two historical novels that I am hoping to find a publisher home.
Currently the Assistant Director/Children’s Librarian at Deep River Public Library, I love sharing the joy of reading to the community I serve. I’ve been known to dress up in character for storytime and I have an impressive collection of costumes and props, from superhero to Mrs. Claus. If you are interested in a specialized story time, contact me for more details.
