Book Review of Are You Smarter Than a Shark?
The Children’s Book Review
Are You Smarter Than a Shark?
Written by David George Gordon
Illustrated by Josh Lynch
Ages 6-9 | 48 Pages
Publisher: Becker & Mayer Kids | ISBN-13: 978-0760370452
What to expect: Sharks, Facts, Humor, Marine Life
Who hates pop quizzes? Raise your fin – I mean hand! It’s time to test your mettle against the ocean’s perfect predator: a shark!
Some people think sharks are mindless killers who can’t see past their own teeth, but that’s simply not the case. After all, sharks have the same five senses we do, plus an extra sixth sense that helps them survive in the vast wilds of the ocean. Readers learn this right away in the first few pages of the book.
Author David George Gordon starts at the beginning, outlining how a shark’s brain is made and how it has evolved. He then gives examples of how sharks are pretty intelligent – sharks can be taught shapes and colors. Some sharks can even tell the difference between a person’s front and back (the better to sneak attack with!). Sharks can also be taught sounds—a study showed that sharks taught that a specific noise meant that food would be coming still remembered that noise when they heard it months later and waited for food, like a reverse drive-through restaurant. Fish tacos, anyone?
Gordon also includes super fun sections where young readers can test their skills against sharks – like the shark vision test. With step-by-step directions, readers will be able to test their skills, and their friend’s skills, against a shark out at the park or playground. The book is interactive and witty, perfect for reluctant readers or kids who prefer a lot of action in their reading materials.
Illustrator Josh Lynch has created some of the most fun and sometimes hilarious shark illustrations ever. While many of the images are realistic depictions of sharks that help to explain the science behind sharks and their brains and behavior, some of the pictures are downright funny! The cover is engaging and sweet, with a toothy hammerhead pointing to his A+ test. It looks so fun that it was the first book my kiddo reached for in the box.
With facts and interactive elements galore, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A SHARK is a perfect summer read!
Buy the Book
About the Author
David George Gordon is the award-winning author of The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook, The Sasquatch Seeker’s Field Manual and 18 other titles. He is also The Bug Chef — he’s brought his exotic cuisine to the Explorers Club, The Smithsonian, Microsoft and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museums in Hollywood and Times Square and appeared on Conan O’Brien, James Corden and The View. He lives in Seattle.
Land Lots Final Book Cover by David George Gordon was reviewed by Dr. Jen Harrison. Discover more books like Land Lots Final Book Cover by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with shark books, fact books, marine life, and humor.
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