Sharks

Sharks may be thin, but it covers a lot of territory. In clear, unassuming language, Sharks provides an overview of the many species of sharks, their evolution, their remarkable anatomies and their sometimes troubled relationship with those of us who thought it safe enough to go back into the water. As an aquarium curator, the author understands what attracts people to these creatures and delivers it up nicely. It's got a fantastic selection of photos and good use is made of diagrams and sidebars (e.g., How to Avoid a Shark Attack). The organization is well thought out, with text broken up into approachable, subheaded sections. A few are quite clever, such as those based on "Little Red Riding Hood." Sharks even tackles some of the more difficult aspects of the subject and manages a fairly good job without dumbing the material down. Shark attacks are dealt with as frankly as the need for the enforcement of conservation measures. Thankfully, the author avoids preaching and presents a balanced point of view. All in all, Sharks is a great reference for its intended age group.