Shark!

July 1, 2003
This book for reluctant readers provides an accessible, but superficial, introduction to sharks' physical characteristics, habitat, defenses, and predatory habits. The final two chapters look at shark threats to humans and vice versa. The somewhat rushed text is accompanied by small captioned color photos--some clearly intended to sensationalize the topic. Directory, reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2003 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

May 1, 2003
Gr 4-6-Beginning with a brief litany of shark attacks, this slender book describes the shark's physiology, its carnivorous predilection, reasons behind attacks on humans, and the current stress on shark populations from overfishing and pollution. An "album" of data about four species (human attackers all) is included. The topic and the cover photo of a gaping great white are attention grabbing, and the simple text and plethora of small, color photos will be reassuring to reluctant readers. Similar titles include Betsy Maestro's simpler A Sea Full of Sharks (Scholastic, 1997), Claire Llewellyn's colorful Best Book of Sharks (Kingfisher, 1999), Laurence Pringle's excellent Sharks! Strange and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, 2001), and Sandra Markle's more detailed Outside and Inside Sharks (Atheneum, 1996).-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

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