Basking Sharks

November 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-Simplicity of presentation makes these shark titles accessible and inviting to the youngest readers, despite slight weaknesses in content. Spreads with two-to-three sentences per page offer simple facts, with straightforward language, while opposite, a large photo fills the page. Though most information is clear, the sparse text is occasionally overly vague (readers learn that "Zebra sharks are long" and that "Makos are small sharks," but the text and images offer no sense of context). However, a closing "More Facts" page provides some specifics. Text and images often work well together, offering clear views of a mako's "long, skinny teeth" and the coloring of a great white shark. A few photograph choices are less successful, however (such as using a spotted zebra shark to illustrate that pups "have stripes when they are born"). Engaging and useful additions, even with some flaws.

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