Luminous Creatures There are some parts of the ocean that are very deep. The deepest part is 36,000 feet (11,000 meters)—that’s about how high planes fly in the sky. It is very dark because sunlight can’t reach so deep. Many sea creatures that live very deep produce their own light. It is called bioluminescence. Creatures glow and glitter for many reasons. Anglerfish dangle a lighted lure in front of their mouth to attract prey. Deep-sea worms produce different lights to communicate with one another. Bioluminescence can also protect animals by scaring or confusing predators.
What You Will Need thick white paper, brightly colored crayons, black poster paint and a large paintbrush, toothpicks
1. Color your white paper with colorful sections using crayons. Be sure you make a thick layer of crayon and don’t leave any white showing when you’re done. (See image 1 below.)
2. Paint over the colors with a layer of black paint and leave until it’s completely dry. (See image 2.)
3. Using a toothpick, lightly scratch through the paint to draw deep-sea creatures. (See image 3.) Make them as amazing as you can! (See the illustrations for inspiration.)
Copyright © 2019 by Clare Beaton (Author/Illustrator); Rudi Haig (Author). All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.