Sharkpedia
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Come along on an around-the-world adventure to track the sea's most extraordinary predators. This research manual and guide will take you from tropical paradise to the cold, dark depths, in search of the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful beasts in the ocean. From the harmless and huge whale shark to the puny pygmy shark, these fascinating fish come in many shapes and sizes, which means their prey does too. Discover who gulps down tiny plankton and who snatches unsuspecting seals midswim. See for yourself from the portholes of our trusty vessel or, if you dare, from behind the bars of a shark cage. So grab your scuba gear and get on the boat—we've got sharks to find! Learn where sharks lurk, what they eat, who they hang out with, and why they do what they do. Also, hear from scientists about why some sharks attack, and hear first-hand from survivors what an attack is like. Grab your bucket o' chum and climb aboard!
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think sharks eat and how do they find their food?
Can you describe how the different types of sharks look according to the book?
Why do you think sharks are important in the ocean?
What was the most surprising fact you learned about sharks from this book?
How can we help protect sharks and their habitat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being a marine biologist studying sharks, asking how they might conduct their research or what tools they would use.
Link the discussion to a broader conversation about ocean life and conservation, emphasizing the role sharks play in the ecosystem.
Utilize the vivid imagery in the book to ask your child to draw their favorite shark and explain their choice based on what they've learned.
After reading, watch a kid-friendly documentary or video about sharks to reinforce the facts they've discovered.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for marine life
Explanation: Sharkpedia provides an in-depth look at various shark species, highlighting their roles in the ecosystem and underlining their importance to marine biodiversity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and advocate for the conservation of marine environments, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: The importance of research and learning
Explanation: The book educates on different aspects of sharks through scientific facts and research findings, showcasing the value of knowledge.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to adopt a curious mindset and develop a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: By presenting myths versus facts about sharks, Sharkpedia encourages readers to question misinformation and think critically about sources.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to analyze information critically, enhancing their decision-making skills in daily life.
Example Lesson: Diversity and adaptation
Explanation: Through exploring the various types of sharks and their adaptations, the book teaches about the diversity of life and the concept of evolution.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of diversity and adaptation to appreciate the varying abilities and strengths of people in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Sharkpedia discusses the impacts of human activities on shark populations, promoting a message of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids in fostering an environmentally conscious mindset in children, urging them to take part in sustainable practices.