0
    • Close Modal
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image

    Surprising Sharks

    Read and Wonder

    Part of Read and Wonder

    Author Nicola Davies
    Illustrated by James Croft
    Paperback
    $8.99 US
    Candlewick
    9.06"W x 9.81"H x 0.17"D   | 6 oz | 70 per carton
    On sale Apr 26, 2005 | 32 Pages | 9780763627423
    Age 5-8 years | Grades K-3
    Reading Level: Lexile 710L | Fountas & Pinnell N
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    "Everything works in this book — the informative yet humorous writing, the not-too-scary illustrations, and a superb layout that employs multisized text and bright color backgrounds to great effect." — The Horn Book

    "SHAAAARRRKK!" That's probably the last word anyone wants to hear while swimming in the warm blue sea. But most sharks aren't at all what people expect. In fact, those who think all sharks are giant, man-eating killers are in for a surprise. The compelling narrative, colorful illustrations, and captivating facts in Surprising Sharks reveal that sharks come in all shapes and sizes — and probably should be more afraid of humans than we are of them.
    Back matter includes an index and a note about sharks.
    • SELECTION
      ALA Notable Children's Book
    • HONOR
      Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
    Everything works in this book— the informative yet humorous writing, the not-too-scary illustrations, and a superb layout that employs multisized text and bright color backgrounds to great effect.
    —The Horn Book

    The book is chock-full of fascinating information about 'sharkish' behavior . . . Davis concludes with a notion that these animals have much more to fear from humans than vice versa.
    —School Library Journal

    Rarely do author and illustrator complement each other as perfectly as in this undersea jewel . . . the package can't be beat.
    —Kirkus Reviews

    Davies manages to impart a remarkable amount of information about sharks in this picture-book science volume. . . . What's more, Croft's bright, humorous artwork . . . and the clever layout will make this a first choice for many young children.
    —Booklist
    Nicola Davies, a zoologist and author of such books as WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, ONE TINY TURTLE, and BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, has a special love of the sea. She has seen basking sharks off the coast of England and once came face to face with a shark while she was snorkeling - a baby spotted dogfish about the size of a sardine. Since sharks have been on Earth a lot longer than humans, she feels they deserve our respect and protection. She lives in Somerset, England.

    James Croft has always enjoyed drawing sharks and finds that their teeth, speed, and the sense of danger they evoke fuel his imagination like no other creature. The illustrator of numerous books for children, including the Brand New Readers MOUSE HAS FUN and MOUSE GOES OUT by Phyllis Root, James Croft lives and works in London.
    Nicola Davies View titles by Nicola Davies
    James Croft View titles by James Croft

    About

    "Everything works in this book — the informative yet humorous writing, the not-too-scary illustrations, and a superb layout that employs multisized text and bright color backgrounds to great effect." — The Horn Book

    "SHAAAARRRKK!" That's probably the last word anyone wants to hear while swimming in the warm blue sea. But most sharks aren't at all what people expect. In fact, those who think all sharks are giant, man-eating killers are in for a surprise. The compelling narrative, colorful illustrations, and captivating facts in Surprising Sharks reveal that sharks come in all shapes and sizes — and probably should be more afraid of humans than we are of them.
    Back matter includes an index and a note about sharks.

    Awards

    • SELECTION
      ALA Notable Children's Book
    • HONOR
      Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

    Praise

    Everything works in this book— the informative yet humorous writing, the not-too-scary illustrations, and a superb layout that employs multisized text and bright color backgrounds to great effect.
    —The Horn Book

    The book is chock-full of fascinating information about 'sharkish' behavior . . . Davis concludes with a notion that these animals have much more to fear from humans than vice versa.
    —School Library Journal

    Rarely do author and illustrator complement each other as perfectly as in this undersea jewel . . . the package can't be beat.
    —Kirkus Reviews

    Davies manages to impart a remarkable amount of information about sharks in this picture-book science volume. . . . What's more, Croft's bright, humorous artwork . . . and the clever layout will make this a first choice for many young children.
    —Booklist

    Author

    Nicola Davies, a zoologist and author of such books as WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, ONE TINY TURTLE, and BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, has a special love of the sea. She has seen basking sharks off the coast of England and once came face to face with a shark while she was snorkeling - a baby spotted dogfish about the size of a sardine. Since sharks have been on Earth a lot longer than humans, she feels they deserve our respect and protection. She lives in Somerset, England.

    James Croft has always enjoyed drawing sharks and finds that their teeth, speed, and the sense of danger they evoke fuel his imagination like no other creature. The illustrator of numerous books for children, including the Brand New Readers MOUSE HAS FUN and MOUSE GOES OUT by Phyllis Root, James Croft lives and works in London.
    Nicola Davies View titles by Nicola Davies
    James Croft View titles by James Croft

    Other books in this series

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Adults Children's General All Gift Blog

    Live Inspired with Compendium: Now Available from PRH!

    Exciting news! Compendium has joined the Penguin Random House family, bringing a proven line of bestselling, sentiment-driven gifts to our extensive and ever-growing catalog. Since 1985, Compendium has been creating meaningful moments with beautiful, thoughtfully made gifts that center connection and celebrate occasions both big and small. From greeting cards to inspirational books to impulse-friendly add-ons, Compendium

    Read more

    Live Inspired with Compendium: Now Available from PRH!

    Adults Children's General All Gift Blog

    Penguin Random House Retail

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)