The Funny Life of Sharks
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
This is a non-fiction book with a difference: not only is it bursting with a wealth of fascinating information about different shark species, such as their appearance, habitat and diet, but it also contains an amusing array of untruths and daft anecdotes about totally unconnected topics. Readers are encouraged to dip into the book at random and be guided by the handy signposts on each page, which direct them to related sections of interest.
Children will learn that sharks have been around for millions of years and can be found in every ocean in the world, although not in lifts, as they find it hard to press the buttons. Their negative reputation as vicious man-eaters is challenged, as on average, fewer than six people are eaten by sharks each year, compared with the one hundred million sharks that are eaten annually by people. Also discussed is how factors such as climate change and polluted seas affect shark populations.
The light-hearted style belies the vast amounts of factual information contained within this brilliant homage to sharks, which is sure to elicit plenty of laughter. Comical black-and-white line drawings are an integral part of the book and add to the hilarity.
