The Family Bookshelf
By Bob Walch
"Surprising Sharks"
(Candlewick Press) by Nicola Davies
The Audience: Intended for children ages 5-8, this book puts a very positive spin on sharks. A big bonus is that the book is accompanied by a CD that features an engaging read-aloud narration with sound effects. A "read-along" opportunity is included with guided prompts for beginning readers and you'll also discover additional fascinating facts about sharks not included in the book. (32 pages)
The Issue: This captivating picture book with accompanying CD is all about casting sharks in a more positive light.
The Content: Here's a book young readers can sink their teeth into! Filled with all sorts of interesting information about sharks, this thin volume contains material that would be useful in doing a report for school.
Intent on dispelling some of the popular myths about sharks, the author stresses that creatures come in various sizes and shapes as well as have many different uses. For example, did you know of the millions of sharks killed every year, parts of them find their way into the manufacture of after-shave lotion, machine grease, and skin cream?
The Message: Contrary to Hollywood films like "Jaws" and "Shark Week" seen on cable television, sharks are an important part of the ocean ecosystem and not the just giant, man-eating killers that must be feared.
Before retiring from the classroom, Bob Walch taught English in Santa Barbara and Carmel for 39 years. His reviews of children's literature appear in Central Coast newspapers and online at the Reading Tub, Roundtable Reviews and My Shelf. |
