Deep by Jess McGeachin

You might like to begin by thinking about the word 'deep'. Perhaps the cover images - front and back - will guide your thoughts - deep in the ocean; deep in space; deep under the ground; deep on the forest floor; deep in the past; deep inside your mind! These are indeed the chapter headings in this new Australian Non Fiction book which has been short listed for our Children's Book of the Year awards (2023) in the Eve Pownall category (Non Fiction).

• Deep Ocean
• Deep Forest
• Deep Earth
• Dee Time
• Deep Space
• Deep Inside

"Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the edge of our solar system? Or what lives in the cold depths of the ocean, where even sunlight can't reach. ... We know a little bit about these hidden worlds, but there's so much we don't know. so, what are you waiting for? Dive into the deep."

As with all good non fiction books, Jess McGeachin has included a glossary and detailed index.

I really enjoyed the sections - What we leave behind - ewaste, fashion, plastic, food waste and tech. And Team of trillions which explores the tiny workers inside your body - blood cells, microbes, gut fora, and viruses.

I also love the page about rocks and minerals and I know the children in my library will find this fascinating because every week someone asked me for a 'crystal' book.

Deep is a book that should be added to EVERY Primary School library. 

The CBCA judges said: This imaginatively presented hardback reference book seamlessly brings together a large variety of information about the unseen elements of Earth’s sea and land life, outer space and the human body. Contemporary issues are also included making the information very relatable to readers. The integration of text and illustrations is very cleverly managed, and the layout of the content works both as a dip-in-dip-out resource, as well as a read-through narrative. The information is interesting and the language is clear and presented in accessible small chunks, with a bit of humour. The full colour, detailed illustrations are gracefully accompanied by descriptive labels (including some scientific names). The final couple of pages around connection and survival bring together all the information in an accessible flowchart and draw on the topic of adaptability that readers can explore further. The inclusion of contents, index and glossary are very useful; and a timeline titled 'Deep Time' is great for providing context. The front cover is incredibly appealing, and overall, this non-stereotypical information book is of a very high quality that will sustain readers’ interest throughout.

Jess McGeachin is an author/illustrator based in Melbourne. Constantly inspired by the natural world, Jess draws quite literally from a day-job at the Melbourne Museum. Allen and Unwin

I have loved watching Jess McGeachin's career. He won our CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) New Illustrator award in 2020 for his truly special book Fly.

In 2022 I talked about Frankie and the Fossil. And as a 2021-23 judge we were sent The Tree at Number 43 and Kind.  The "sequel" to Deep with the title High has just been published.