The Ultimate Book of Sharks (National Geographic Kids)
on Goodreads (79)
What’s inside...
Captivating book about the world of sharks, their roles in the ecosystem, and the importance of conservation. The book features stunning photography and fascinating facts about various shark species from all across the globe. Dive into the wild world of sharks and get up close to learn the truth behind these fantastic, ferocious fish with famed National Geographic photographer and explorer Brian Skerry.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to swim with sharks?
How do sharks help maintain the balance in ocean ecosystems?
What was the most surprising fact you learned about sharks from this book?
Can you explain why sharks are sometimes misunderstood?
How can we help protect shark species from becoming endangered?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by asking your child to describe their favorite shark from the book, fostering a personal connection.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the images and information provided, validating their thoughts and emotions.
Relate the content to a broader conservation perspective, prompting your child to think about the ecological roles of sharks.
Sum up the discussion with what actions humans can take to protect sharks, empowering them to think critically about human impacts on wildlife.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Through vivid photography and engaging facts, this book educates children about the importance of sharks in the ecosystem, emphasizing their role and not just their fierceness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and advocate for the conservation of all creatures, understanding the balance of nature.
Example Lesson: Importance of research and learning
Explanation: The book presents detailed scientific information about different species of sharks, showcasing ongoing research and discovery in marine biology.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay curious, value education, and possibly pursue learning in fields of science and environment.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear with knowledge
Explanation: By debunking myths and providing facts about sharks, the book helps children replace fear with understanding and respect for these often misunderstood creatures.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to seek information and understanding in the face of fear, a skill that can be applied to many of life's uncertain situations.
Example Lesson: Environmental responsibility
Explanation: The book discusses the threats faced by sharks due to human activities, promoting awareness about human impact on marine life.
Real-World Application: This imparts a sense of responsibility in children to make environmentally-conscious decisions and actions, fostering a generation that cares about sustainability.