THE SECRETS OF THE JELLIES: AMAZING JELLYFISH AND THEIR SURPRISING TALENTS, by Karen Jameson and Marie Hermansson, Chronicle Books, April 21, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5-8)
Learn about some of the ocean’s most fascinating inhabitants in The Secrets of the Jellies: Amazing Jellyfish and Their Surprising Talents, by Karen Jameson and Marie Hermansson.
A spectacular world of weird and wonderful jellyfish awaits in The Secrets of the Jellies. Filled with facts and energetic undersea artwork, this aquarium-exhibit-in-a-book helps us learn all about jelly anatomy, behavior, habitats, and ecosystems as we get to know the moon jelly, lion’s mane jellyfish, fried-egg jellyfish, flame jellyfish, and so many more. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books
It takes a deft hand to distill facts into accessible and joyful prose, but author Karen Jameson is up to the task. The Secrets of the Jellies is a picture book that grows with readers. They are first introduced to jellies through rhythmic text that’s not only fun to read aloud but is informative, too.
Jameson expands on those facts in more detailed backmatter and offers more jelly secrets, including how to care for jellies, research and climate change. And even further backmatter introduces readers to ten different kinds of jellies.
Illustrator Marie Hermansson builds on Jameson’s text with images that feel straight out of an aquarium. Her use of color and contrast really make the jellies pop.
Though the publisher suggests The Secrets of the Jellies for readers ages 5 to 8, 4-year-olds will love the bouncy text and bold illustrations. The Secrets of the Jellies would be a fun read prior to an aquarium or ocean visit, and it is a great way to celebrate World Ocean Day (June 8) and National Zoo and Aquarium Month in June.
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