The Ultimate Book of Sharks, by Brian Skerry | Book Review

The Children’s Book Review | March 9, 2020

The Ultimate Book of Sharks

Written by Brian Skerry

Age Range:  8 and up

Hardcover: 192 pages

Publisher: National Geographic Kids (2018)

ISBN: 978-1-4263-3071-1

What to expect: Non-Fiction, Sharks, Illustrative Guide

National Geographic presents a gorgeous illustrated guide to the most misunderstood and beautiful creatures of the ocean – sharks!

Begin your journey under the bright blue waters of the ocean with Brian Skerry, a photojournalist who has published numerous oceanic books and articles. His introduction into the world of these majestic sharks is heartfelt and exciting. Kids will be ready to jump into the fun and imagine themselves as daring underwater photographers!

In the first chapter, readers learn precisely what a shark is. Fish? Mammal? Giant goldfish with razor-sharp teeth? Aspects of shark species and physical makeup are explained. Did you know that sharks don’t have bones, but cartilage? Most of what we know about past extinct sharks comes from recovered teeth.

After reviewing types of sharks (an enormous, wide-varying amount!), what different kinds of sharks eat, and other interesting facts, we get more up-close and personal with these toothy creatures. Author Skerry recounts personal moments with a Great White Shark along with the actual picture he took at the time. These vignettes, accompanied by the in-the-moment photograph, allow young readers to get into the mind of the photographer, to feel the cool water against their skin, and admire the powerful beauty of these misunderstood sharks.

With dazzling photography, brilliantly colorful pages, insightful stories, and remarkable facts, this book is a joy to behold. Even parents will be flipping through the book to read up on sharks. The book is too enticing to let swim away! Highly recommended.

Buy the Book

About the Author

BRIAN SKERRY is a photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife and underwater environments. Since 1998 he has been a contract photographer for National Geographic magazine covering a wide range of subjects and stories. In 2014 he was named a National Geographic Photography Fellow. In 2015 Skerry was named a Nikon Ambassador, and in 2017 he received the National Geographic Photographer’s Photographer Award.

The Ultimate Book of Sharks, by Brian Skerry, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like The Ultimate Book of Sharks by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Non-Fiction and Sharks.