Informational Nonfiction

 If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams

Summary:

This book talks about the ocean and how certain species help to maintain balance within the environment. It has illustrations to show the good that sharks do, and the bad things that could happen to the environment is sharks were to be extinct. The book tells how the sharks not only keep the ocean in balance, but also land.

Evaluation:

This is an informational nonfiction book as it gives factional information on the topic, how sharks help to maintain balance within the environment, and what could happen if they were to become extinct.  The setting of this book is mostly in the ocean, but also some on land, as it describes the effects on land as well.

The illustrations in this book are outline style, giving it a cartoon feel. The elements used include line and color to help attract the readers attention to the visuals that help to reiterate the topic of the book.

Activities:

Before reading the book, you could ask the children what they know about sharks and what they think might happen if sharks disappear. Then compare and contrast after reading the story.

You could also have the children draw a picture of the ocean and/ or write their own short story of what they think might happen is a different animal became extinct.

 

Personal Thoughts:

I thought this was a great book for children. It can give children a different perspective on sharks, rather than just thinking that they are these big, scary, mean creatures who do nothing for the environment.

 

What are you thoughts on giving children a different outlook on sharks? Obviously we don't want them to go hunting sharks down, but I think it can give teach them to look at many things in a new light, help them to see the good in things that don't always seem good.