Sharks and Rays (Look Inside Books)
What’s inside...
Sharks and Rays (Look Inside Books) by Keith Banister is an educational book providing an in-depth exploration of cartilaginous fish, including their anatomy, behavior, and habitats. Aimed at a young audience, the book combines detailed illustrations and accessible text to examine the evolutionary history, ecological roles, and conservation efforts concerning sharks and rays. It is part of a series featuring acetate windows that offer a detailed view of the subject matter, exploring intriguing facts about these marine creatures and their unique hunting abilities and behaviors, such as the use of electricity by rays to stun prey.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think sharks and rays have different shapes and sizes?
What do you find most interesting about how sharks hunt for their food?
How do rays protect themselves in the ocean?
Can you imagine what the ocean would be like without sharks and rays?
How can we help protect sharks and rays in their natural habitat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they already know about sharks and rays, and build from there.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out specific features of sharks and rays, like their fins and tails, to spark interest.
Encourage your child to ask questions during the reading and explore answers together after finishing the book.
Relate the information from the book to real-life situations, such as visits to aquariums, to make the content more relatable and memorable.
Foster empathy by discussing the importance of sharks and rays to the marine ecosystem and how humans can negatively impact their survival.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book explores the diverse and intricate world of sharks and rays, emphasizing their role in marine ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and advocate for the preservation of marine life and recognize the importance of biodiversity.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through detailed illustrations and engaging facts, the book encourages children to delve deeper into the scientific aspects of these creatures.
Real-World Application: This stimulates a love for science and exploration, encouraging kids to ask questions and seek out information in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Conservation Awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the threats faced by sharks and rays, such as habitat loss and overfishing.
Real-World Application: Children are informed about environmental issues and are empowered to contribute to conservation efforts, even in small ways like spreading awareness.
Example Lesson: Importance of Ecosystems
Explanation: It educates on how sharks and rays maintain the health of ocean ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the balance of nature and the critical roles different species play, fostering a sense of responsibility to protect these systems.