THE SECRETS OF THE JELLIES
Amazing Jellyfish and Their Surprising Talents
By: Karen Jameson
Illustrated by: Marie Hermansson
Published: April 21, 2026
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Non-Fiction
Writing fictional stories with a rhyme can be difficult, but a nonfiction one that teaches kids about jellyfish with rhymes is next level. Jameson makes learning about jellyfish fun in this new picture book. Hermansson’s jellyfish illustrations seem so real on the page, and kids will be fascinated by all the various types of jellyfish.
Seeing jellyfish up close at an aquarium is so calming, watching them move through the water. There are so many different colors of jellyfish, with some even being clear or almost sparkling. Kids will learn about the various types of jellyfish, and at the end of the book, Jameson includes jellyfish facts, jellyfish secrets, and introduces kids to 22 different jellies and what makes each of them special.
With Jameson’s creative rhymes and Hermansson’s illustrations, kids won’t even realize they are learning because they will be so enamoured by the jellyfish on the pages. Combine reading this book with your next trip to the aquarium. No aquarium near you? Read this book with your kids, then check out the LIVE JELLYFISH CAM at Monterey Bay Aquarium on YouTube.
Download this Activity Kit to go along with your reading
Karen Jameson is a children’s author, poet, teacher, and literacy advocate. Her picture books include Woodland Dreams and Wake Up, Woodlands, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; Farm Lullaby, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan; Where the Wee Ones Go, illustrated by Zosienka, and The Secrets of the Jellies, illustrated by Marie Hermansson. She lives and works in Southern California. To learn more, visit karenljameson.com.
Marie Hermansson has a deep appreciation for the natural world, with a love of illustrating animals, plants, landscapes, and the ecosystems they exist in. She has illustrated numerous picture books, including Tera Kelley’s award-winning Listen to the Language of the Trees. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling, hiking, beachcombing, and reading. Marie currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two children. Visit her at mariehermanssonillustration.com.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of THE SECRETS OF THE JELLIES
See Other Books I’ve Loved by Karen Jameson, HERE
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, Jellyfish, Karen Jameson, Marie Hermansson, non-fiction, ocean