Sid and the Very Hard to Find Squid

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By: James O'Hanlon

eBook - June 2025 - eRetailers

Join Sid on his quest to find the elusive colossal squid, and the discoveries he makes on the way.

No one has ever seen a colossal squid in the wild, but Sid is determined to be the first. Join Sid on his exciting quest to find this incredibly rare animal. + Full description

Along the way, Sid encounters other strange creatures until he eventually discovers … that sometimes the joy of exploration is more about the unexpected journey, and not the ending.

Look closely and you might just find a cheeky colossal squid too!

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.

- Short description

Reviews

"With bouncy rhymes and a touch of humor, this informative book is a blast to read aloud […] Young readers will enjoy spotting the squid hidden throughout the illustrations."
elizabetheverettbooks, July 2025

"A bold, engaging, fun picture book with true facts about this amazing creature."
picturebookbc (Instagram), 6 August 2025

"A fun tale for children who love sea creatures and who share author-illustrator, James O’Hanlon’s fascination with the colossal squid. Highly recommended for every young nature enthusiast with a thirst for knowledge … and adventure."
Little Darlings (Facebook), 19 August 2025

"As well as Sid’s engaging narrative and illustrations that make you want to discover more about the things he does find and cross off his list, there is more information about both the Colossal Squid and deep-sea exploration in the back matter that add depth and wonder to the whole experience."
Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf, June 2025

"It is both a beautifully illustrated picture book with the narrative told in rhyme, as well as a book full of interesting facts about a rare species of squid and about deep-sea exploration. It has been cleverly constructed to ensure that the information does not impose on or disrupt the narrative."
Jude Mullen, Buzz Words Books, July 2025

"This wonderful read will be enjoyed by all ages. The rhyming text is skilfully constructed and the big, bold and bright illustrations will appeal to all readers."
Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus, 4 August 2025

"Dr James O’Hanlon has created an engaging, information-filled book with memorable rhyme and rhythm that will excite young readers."
Sandy Driessens, StoryLinks, 19 July 2025

Details

Hardback | June 2025 | $ 26.99
ISBN: 9781486319664 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations

ePDF | June 2025
ISBN: 9781486319671
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

ePUB | June 2025
ISBN: 9781486319688
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

Features

A playful journey of exploration and unexpected discoveries.
Uncovers the secrets of the world’s largest invertebrate, the colossal squid.
Fabulous illustrations featuring a cheeky colossal squid hidden in the pages.

Main story
More about the colossal squid
Glossary

Authors

Dr James O’Hanlon is a scientist, writer and illustrator who has travelled the globe uncovering the secret lives of mysterious animals. If it is hard to find, and lacks a backbone, James has an unsatiable desire to find out what it is and what it does.