OCEANIC MANTA ADVENTURE

Glimpses of one of the world’s largest and most endangered ocean creatures and the scientists who study them.

Once again providing a realistic picture of scientific research as a mix of triumphs and tribulations, Montgomery, along with wildlife photographer Joyce, joins a small group of biologists studying the uniquely high population of oceanic manta rays clustered around Isla de la Plata off the coast of Ecuador. Some days, as Montgomery records, cloudy waters make for only indistinct, occasional sightings of the plankton-eating giants; other days the researchers discover that their equipment is defective or has been stolen. Still, the author does detail close encounters underwater, which can plainly be memorable events; her tone sometimes turns rhapsodic, as when she describes one gliding past with “impossible grace” and then turning to look her in the face. Though some of the photos are, like the waters, a bit murky, that grace is still evident, and in general the images are clear enough to show the rays’ larger physical characteristics as well as the smaller fish and other sea life with which they share their oceanic habitat. Descriptions of a local parade and memorial service on the mainland seem off topic but may, along with the individual portrait photos and capsule biographies, help make the scientists and other members of the largely Latine study team more relatable to young readers.

A frank look at science’s rewards and frustrations.