Basking Shark - Non-Fiction Reading for Grade 3, Developmental Learning for Young Readers - Shark Shock!

A huge fish swims slowly with its big mouth open wide. The basking shark is collecting tiny plankton to eat. Although it is the second-biggest shark in the world, this gentle giant eats some of the smallest creatures in the sea. Dive in to learn more about where the basking shark lives, how it interacts with other fish, and why humans are a threat to this incredible ocean animal. It’s time to get shark shocked!\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 3–5—These engaging overviews use lively text and effective photos to introduce shark species. Each book opens with the animal hunting and finding food. Subsequent pages describe physical features, key behaviors, and mating habits, along with threats and interactions with humans where relevant. Text and pictures also highlight features unique to each species. In Goblin Shark, the clear description of the goblin shark's teeth, for example, is neatly complemented by a vivid close-up image. Most photographs ably depict the textual content, highlighting physical features and showing the sharks in action, despite occasional missed opportunities. There are no pictures of basking sharks jumping in Basking Shark, or hammerheads actually catching or eating prey, for example. A useful range map and occasional diagrams and insets aid the visual presentation. VERDICT Fine choices to beef up the perennially popular shark species collections.