Deep, Deep Down

by Captain Coral

Carmen explores the ocean's deep, dark secrets.

Grade 1 (Level I): Early readers10 pages

A child learns about the mysterious creatures that live in the deepest parts of the ocean

Characters

Carmen

Dr. Patel

Graphic Novel

Story Arc

Carmen walked into the big aquarium. Fish swam in clear blue tanks. He saw many bright colors. Dr. Patel waved to Carmen.

“Hello, Carmen!” Dr. Patel smiled. “Do you want to see the deep ocean?” Carmen looked at a dark picture. He shifted his feet.

“It is very dark,” Carmen whispered. “What lives there?” Dr. Patel knelt down. “Come, let’s find out,” he said.

Carmen stepped into the pretend submarine. It felt cozy inside. Outside the window, it was very dark. Carmen hugged his arms.

Then, a light glowed in the black. A strange fish swam by. It had its own light! Carmen leaned closer to the glass.

“That is a flashlight fish,” Dr. Patel explained. “It makes its own light.” Carmen smiled. He did not feel so scared now.

They went deeper down. More lights flickered. Carmen watched for new creatures. He felt excited to see them.

A giant squid glided past. Then, tiny crabs scuttled on the floor. The deep ocean was full of life. It was beautiful.

Soon, the submarine returned. Carmen stepped out, a big grin on his face. “Thank you, Dr. Patel!” he said.

Carmen looked at the bright fish tanks again. He knew the deep, dark ocean held amazing secrets. He wanted to learn more.

Make one of your own next.

aquarium: A place where you can see many different kinds of fish and sea animals in tanks.; Carmen walked into the big aquarium.
whispered: To speak very softly, so only someone close can hear you.; “It is very dark,” Carmen whispered.
pretend: To make-believe or act like something is real when it is not.; Carmen stepped into the pretend submarine.
cozy: Warm, comfortable, and safe.; It felt cozy inside.
glowed: To shine with a soft, warm light.; Then, a light glowed in the black.
strange: Unusual or not familiar; different from what you know.; A strange fish swam by.
creatures: Living things, like animals.; Carmen watched for new creatures.
excited: Feeling very happy and eager about something that is going to happen.; He felt excited to see them.
giant: Very, very big.; A giant squid glided past.
glided: To move smoothly and easily, like flying or floating.; A giant squid glided past.
scuttled: To move quickly with short, quick steps, like a small animal.; Then, tiny crabs scuttled on the floor.
grin: A very big smile.; Carmen stepped out, a big grin on his face.
amazing: Wonderful or surprising.; He knew the deep, dark ocean held amazing secrets.

Questions to ask after reading together.

1
Why do you think Carmen felt scared at first when Dr. Patel asked about the deep ocean?
2
How did Carmen’s feelings change from being scared to feeling excited in the pretend submarine?
3
What other amazing secrets might be hiding deep, deep down in places you haven’t explored?