Shark Baby by Ann Downer

     Author Ann Downer has taken her life experience of living by the sea as well as her love and respect for the ocean and its creatures both big and small to pen in her latest tale, Shark Baby.

     "Who am I?" wonders tiny Shark Baby, as he is nestled in the safety of his egg case that's attached to a long strand of leafy kelp.  One day, during a ferocious storm, his egg case is torn loose and he is soon set forth on a journey through various ocean habitats filled with mystery and discovery.
     First, he seems large spots in front of him, and he begins to think that maybe this is who he is, but is he quickly dismissed by the female horn shark.  Shark Baby starts to drift further with the wild ocean currents.  As Shark Baby swims his way through colorful coral reefs, lush green sea grass meadows and kelp forests, he soon discovers what kind of shark he isn't, but to his growing frustration, not to what kind he is.  Suddenly, Shark Baby encounters a hungry young sea lion who takes one look at the little fish and decides that he will make a delicious lunch.  Just as little Shark Baby thinks that he will soon be gobbled up by the sea pup, he finally gets the answer to his question.
     The ocean creatures and environments that Shark Baby encounters throughout his bumpy journey glisten with strikingly detailed color by illustrator Shennen Bersani.  Educators and parents alike will appreciate the detailed four-paged educational section in the back of the book that is filled with vocabulary; a 'True or False' section that quizzes young readers on their knowledge of facts learned throughout the story, and an illustrated compare and contrast section all about Shark Baby's egg case.  This special section truly enhances the readers experience, and young and old alike will also appreciate the considerable amount of research that the author brought forth in a tremendous effort to not only keep this storyline factually accurate, but at the same time, makes the subject matter easy to approach.   The publisher, Sylvan Dell, also provides parents and educators with a free online resource center, where you will find activities related to the story that will offer a launch pad for ideas and discussion about the wonders of ocean life.

Shark Baby
Written by Ann Downer & Illustrated by Shennen Bersani
Publisher:  Sylvan Dell Publishing
Website:  www.sylvandellpublishing.com
Retails for $17.95 (Hardcover) $9.95 (Softcover) $9.95 (eBook; downloadable in English/Spanish)
ISBN: 9781607186229
For ages 4 thru 8