Cover Image: Science Comics: Sharks

Science Comics: Sharks

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Member Reviews

My students devour all of the science comics, even as middle school students. I love how much they take from these in terms of learning even more than basic facts and the graphics seem to enhance their comprehension.

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Every volume of Science Comics is terrific! The Sharks volume is just as informative as the other Science Comics. Extremely educational as well as interesting and fun -- it is perfect! I can't wait to read more of them!

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Unlike other animal books in the line, such as Dogs or Bats, this volume doesn’t have a bridging story or a cute narrator example of the species. That wouldn’t be appropriate for the subject. Instead, this is a straightforward presentation of the various types of sharks, their biology (including their jaws, of course), and their behaviors as apex predators.

Joe Flood opens by addressing the elephant in the room: Movie portrayals and sensational news articles have given sharks a fearful reputation, which has led to actions that have adversely affected their population. But it’s their variety of sizes and shapes and their essential place in the ocean environment that makes them most interesting, and that’s what he presents here in clear, inspiring images and caption text. It’s a combination essay and mini-encyclopedia, and it will bring new understanding to the appeal of these impressive sea creatures.

Sharks isn’t dry at all, though (heh), contrasting shark anatomy with fish (which the reader might be more familiar with) and showing how other animals through the ages of evolution stayed away from the shark menace. The last section, on interactions with humans, I found most fascinating, but the entire book is something to sink into, enjoying the images of these sleek beasts.

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One of the most often visited sections in an elementary school library is that which holds the books on sharks. Young readers are fascinated with these sea creatures in all their various forms. So I can easily predict that the latest Science Comics title will see high circulation rates and probably need replacement quite quickly.

The book begins with an introduction by marine conservation biologist, Dr. David Shiffman. He tells of his own fascination with sharks and his appreciation for the book and its contents. The book itself is filled with diagrams and images of the different species of sharks. One scene which will make adults grin in recognition shows a man tossing chum and a shark rising out of the water just as it happened in the movie "Jaws." Other pages show a series of creatures from various time periods all declining to swim in the ocean because there are sharks in there.

There are incredible facts such as, you are "more likely to be hospitalized for being struck by lightning...than for getting injured by a shark." The part that sharks play in the complex ocean food webs, the range of their sizes (from fitting in the palm of your hand to whale proportions), and pages showing the various orders of sharks within the Superorder Selachimorpha will satisfy those thirsty for details.

The images and text work well together to illustrate the amazing range of adaptations sharks have developed since their first ancestors appeared (an estimated 400 million years ago). With over 500 species, there are many opportunities for variation. Some species have phosphorescence. Thresher sharks use their tails as whips to stun their prey. Some species like the mako are even warm-blooded. One ability that will captivate readers who enjoy the gross and gruesome shows a shark turning its stomach inside out to expel what it cannot digest.

Folk lore and pop culture are also included. The Hawaiian legends of shapechanging shark gods, movies such as "Jaws," and the popularity of shark fin soup are all covered. Historic events like the early twentieth century shark attacks (covered in one of the I Survived books by Lauren Tarshis), as well as the more recent survivor story of Bethany Hamilton are also discussed.

Back matter includes a large spread showing the shark family tree, a glossary, and suggested phrases to use instead of the vilifying "shark attack." At the bottom of the glossary pages are illustrations of various shark egg cases (a.k.a. mermaid's purses).

Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers who enjoy nonfiction and books about animals.

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I’m a huge fan of the Science Comics series, they are fun and packed with information. I always learn something new from these books even though they are meant for kids! The subtle humor and easy to read format make these books great for reluctant readers and perfect for classrooms.

Sharks is full of fascinating information, it helps to dispell the idea that sharks are terrifying man-eating monsters (although the text still occasionally refers to them as monsters), but instead represents them as fascinating, highly-developed hunting machines. The book focuses on shark abilities and anatomy, their huge variations, and human impact on their world and survival, but I’m surprised that the book doesn’t mention shark researchers (we are totally obsessed with Eugenie Clark at our house!).

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This book is very clear and easy to understand. The art is wonderful. This whole series is very good for explaining science concepts and aid more children in understanding science, especially as it is becoming more important in our everyday lives.

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As someone who has been fascinated with sharks for the better part of her life, this book was a very enlightening read. As a mother who has a child that is obsessed with sharks, this was not only a great read - but priceless time spent with her son, reading and learning about something together. I thought I knew a decent amount of information when it came to sharks, then I read this book and felt as though I knew absolutely nothing going into the first few pages. This book is chock full of information on sharks, different species, evolution, etc. My son is five, so it was definitely a little too much for him to read. However, the beautiful illustrations kept his attention well on its own when I was busy - and the information was just as captivating when I was able to read this to him. I could see an older child with an inquisitive mind spending a lot of time with this book - maybe even using as a reference to impress his friends with all of his shark knowledge. For teaching, this would definitely be a hit to use for a unit study. I'd recommend this to parents and teachers alike.

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This latest entry in the Science Comics series is a winner. It is information-packed, and for those students who want to really learn about these animals, this will be a go-to resource. While the drawings pale in comparison to the many hi-gloss photo books on the subject, they are very detailed and will teach and inform.

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This is my first book from the Science Comics series. I can't wait to read more of them. This book was the perfect amount of information that will keep readers engaged and entertaining while still learning.

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My high-interest, low-level readers are very attracted to comic books, and this one provides them with what they need while also including lots of great science facts. The comic bubbles are short and easily digested, but are not babied-down (vocabulary). The pictures are age-appropriate and enhance the text. I will be finding a few more of these to add to our (5th grade) classroom.

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I love the Science Comics series. I was amazed at the amount of information contained in this graphic novel. Not only were there a lot of facts presented, there were also some great illustrations. There were many facts, information about different species and some history about evolution that I learned from reading this book. The graphic novel layout was appealing and skillfully done so that information was both pictorially and textually available. I can imagine using this resource with reluctant readers as the pictures would draw one in with their dramatic presentation and encourage the reader to find out more. The non-fiction narrative is tied together with a story about a fictional group of shark seekers, which leads into a discussion about the bad rap sharks have gotten over the years. The classic movie Jaws kicked off shark paranoia back in the mid-1970s. The book talks about most shark bites being accidental, as humans are not a normal food source and they really do not like the taste of us. Readers get a history of sharks from the prehistoric era until the present, with a look at shark physiology. migration patterns, variety, and eating habits. The book also contains a shark family tree and a glossary of terms. Overall a great book for those reluctant readers and those interested in sharks. This book will definitely whet their appetite for further research and information. A wonderful addition to a school, classroom, public or family library.

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Science Comics has a one-two punch in March and April, first with Robots & Drones, next with Sharks. Kids LOVE sharks. The introduction nails it with its opening line: "Lots of kids, including many of you who are reading this book, go through an 'I love sharks' phase." Shark books move off my shelves faster than just about any animal, tied only by dinosaurs (and we've already got a Science Comic on them), so this book should be going in your cart, sight unseen. But since that's not what I do - and because I still do love sharks - here's a bit more to whet your shark appetites.

The nonfiction narrative is tied together with a story about a fictional group of shark seekers, which leads into a discussion about the bad rap sharks have gotten over the years. The classic movie Jaws kicked off shark paranoia back in the mid-1970s, and that's explored here, as is the fact that Jaws author Peter Benchley became a passionate shark conservationist in the aftermath of his book and subsequent movie.

Readers get a history of sharks from the prehistoric era until the present, with a look at shark physiology. migration patterns, variety, and eating habits. Spoiler alert: we don't taste very good to them, and any biting is purely accidental. We also get a peek at the one sea animal that can take down even a great white... and it ain't man. A shark family tree, glossary of terms, and a more accurate clarification of how to phrase shark incidents (the section's called "Don't Say 'Shark Attack'").

As I was writing this review up, one of my library kids peeked over my shoulder and saw the page scans. When I told him Sharks was coming out in April, he yelped, "Are you kidding me?!" which just goes to show you, Science Comics: Sharks is going to be a hit. I may have to order two copies.

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When I initially took a look at this book, it certainly wasn't what I was expecting. I thought perhaps it was a straight forward comic book, but it is actually jam packed full of factual information that will engage you from your early years to those of us that are a little older.

By the time I finished flicking through the book I was excited. Why you ask? Well I was excited because for the children that do not enjoy reading and turn to the comic books, they have an option here that will suit their reading style and engage them in information that could be used for school projects.

So if you want to see lots of teeth, a little bit of blood, wide open mouths and the odd flying shark then this book is guaranteed to keep you interested. Keep an eye out for the Red Snapper throughout the book...see if he makes it to the end.

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Colorful graphic novel illustrations, fascinating facts, and attention-grabbing stories combine for an exceedingly appealing book on sharks.

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I love the ocean. In another life, I went on to become a marine biologist and to study whales, sharks, and other cool creatures of the sea. I love it all and I’m ceaselessly fascinated.

When I got the chance to review Science Comics: Sharks, I jumped at the opportunity. I always want to learn more about them, especially when it comes to having discussions with people who are afraid of sharks. Being armed with knowledge is the best way to conquer fear of something... at least when it comes to things that actually exist.

Science Comics is a series of comics that features interesting subjects for people of any age to check out. The comics are a great way of integrating a lot of information onto a single page or two with the illustrations helping to guide what the narrator is trying to convey. Plus in simpler terms, the images help younger readers (or those with a shorter attention span) really take in what’s being presented in front of them. You’re following an informational story that’s interesting and engaging. For other readers, it makes it easier to digest the parts of the book that are a bit more advanced in the language and complexity of what is being conveyed.

I was thoroughly captivated the entire time I was going through the book. It was easy enough to get through time-wise, but it had a lot of stuff that I wanted to go back to and read in more detail. In addition to the information being presented (in comic form), you’re also being given cool shark “family trees” and diagrams that show their evolution over the years. Different classifications and terminology are also shown and taught as well as things like threats to sharks and some of the ways that they are vital to the ecosystem and the ocean.

The art is great. The information is top notch. The presentation was fantastic and I can’t recommend Science Comics: Sharks more.

Verdict:
Buy it! Science Comics: Sharks is the perfect addition for the future marine biologist in your family or even for someone who’s just interested in sharks. Even if you’re only maybe casually interested, this book makes learning about sharks interesting and easy to digest as opposed to trying to read something dense and daunting like an encyclopedia. Check it out!

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A great book for children (and adults).

‘Science Comics: Sharks’ is a well written and illustrated non-fiction book. The use of a comic strip makes it different to other non-fiction books and instantly children in my class want to read it.

It’s the first time my class and I have come across this series of books and we will be on the look out for me! We can’t wait for it to be published!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC

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I really enjoy reviewing Science Comics. They're the perfect medium for reaching often reluctant students in upper elementary (and higher). Science Comics: Sharks is both informative and engaging.

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Let my 13 yo son and a few of my nephews read this and they absolutely loved it. They said it was fun and bright and they learned all about sharks

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Science Comic: Sharks is a wonderfully entertaining and educational graphic novel style book depicting the ins, outs, hows, and whys of sharks of all kinds. The comic book format delivers a science lesson that easily engages the most reluctant reader, especially those who love oceanlife and sharks. It explores food, cells, senses, abilities, and teeth. Don't forget all those teeth! One icky fact is that sharks can turn their stomach inside out! How's that for cool/gross? Sure to be a hit with the boys.. There is plenty of science, colorful illustrations, informative facts, trivia and legend, all delivered in color, and humor at times.

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An fun reference book about sharks past and present. Dynamic illustrations keep the material moving. A great pick for shark lovers.

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