Spectacular Sharks

Alice Kidd is an editor with The New Catalyst editorial collective in
Lillooet, B.C.

Each of these four excellent volumes in the Living Ocean series covers
the essential subject matter for its particular topic, outlining
physical structure, interrelationships with other parts of the
ecosystem, and the human connection.

Earth’s oceans occupy three-quarters of the planet’s surface and
form the marine biome, which consists of four zones. The Ocean Biome
explores these zones: the marine life that inhabits them, the importance
of coral reefs, and the dangerous elements affecting them. Polar Oceans
looks at the marine biomes of the Arctic and Antarctic seas: how they
differ from each other, and how they are being affected by climate
change. The Amazing Octopus focuses on the fascinating cephalopod: how
it feeds, moves, and protects itself, and its importance within the
world’s oceans. Spectacular Sharks presents an overview of these
predators: the myths about them, how they hunt, how they are important
to the health of oceans, and why they are endangered.

The common design of the books is a series of two-page spreads
proceeding from the most general information to the specific. Although
the main narrative is dense with information, the content is easy to
read and understand. Sidebars, colourful drawings, and splendid pictures
with informative captions support the text. Unusual words that appear in
the text in bold type are either explained in the text or defined in a
glossary at the back of the book. Additional features include a list of
suggested websites for readers to visit, as well as a brief index. Each
sturdy volume is well suited to years of use as a handy reference for
middle- and upper-middle-school-age children. All four volumes are
highly recommended.