Sharks and Other Sea Creatures

PreS-Gr 2—Featuring full-color photos layered atop cheerful design elements, this book alternates between factual spreads and craft projects throughout. Directions are consistently laid out in four steps, each with an accompanying photo. The index permits efficient searching for popular sea favorites, such as the regal blue tang. The title's emphasis on sharks is a bit deceptive, as only one informational feature and one activity focus on those particular animals. The editors successfully and concisely represent four categories of ocean wildlife (mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates) with easy-to-understand definitions and fascinating, little-known facts. The need for adult support is acknowledged on the colophon page, and instructions suggest that adults should help cut things out. Though the shapes are simple enough, preschool children may actually require the most assistance with the drawing aspect, as no stencils or templates are provided. Adults will be pleased that supplies, such as ribbons, cardstock, googly eyes, and paint, are inexpensively procured or perhaps already on hand. Only the "egg carton ocean" necessitates a recyclable item. Four of the five projects require drying time between steps.