Surprising Sharks

by Nicola Davies, James Croft (Illustrator)

Overview

This vibrant new book-and-CD series brings the best of our Read and Wonder nature stories to life.

Each paperback title in the series includes a CD that features:
- an engaging read-aloud with sound effects
- a segment focusing on fascinating facts
- a read-along opportunity guided by prompts

A compelling narrative, captivating facts, and colorful illustrations make for a surprising book about sharks that kids can really sink their teeth into.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781680651874
Publisher:	Perfection Learning Corporation
Publication date:	05/28/2005
Series:	Read and Wonder (Paperback)
Pages:	29
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nicola Davies, a zoologist and author of such books as WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, ONE TINY TURTLE, and BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, has a special love of the sea. She has seen basking sharks off the coast of England and once came face to face with a shark while she was snorkeling - a baby spotted dogfish about the size of a sardine. Since sharks have been on Earth a lot longer than humans, she feels they deserve our respect and protection. She lives in Somerset, England.

James Croft has always enjoyed drawing sharks and finds that their teeth, speed, and the sense of danger they evoke fuel his imagination like no other creature. The illustrator of numerous books for children, including the Brand New Readers MOUSE HAS FUN and MOUSE GOES OUT by Phyllis Root, James Croft lives and works in London.

Editorial Reviews

Complete, factual, and fun, this book also sets the record straight on the number of man-eating shark species versus the number of sharks killed by humans. Reports on individual shark species would be a good addition for older students. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Rarely do author and illustrator complement each other as perfectly as in this undersea jewel. Davies, a zoologist who often writes about the sea, uses humor and a touch of child-friendly whimsy to convey a lot of sound scientific knowledge about this ancient type of animal. "Who would expect a shark to . . . have built-in fairy lights . . . or blow up like a party balloon . . . or lie on the sea floor like a scrap of old carpet?" She crafts a true storyline-what makes sharks sharks?-and carries it through to the end. Croft's lavish acrylics add vibrant color, personable fish, and anatomic detail. Layout and type design enhance the illustrations; the package can't be beat. Surprising, indeed. (Junior Library Guild Selection) (Nonfiction. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews