"Many sharks eat animals that have eaten a lot of
other animals that absorb poisonous mercury from
the oceans. Mercury is incredibly dangerous to humans
if eaten - and it turns out most of the sharks killed for
shark fin soup carry a lot of mercury in their bodies.
So not only does shark fin soup absolutely not do
anything for humans medically, it's likely that this
dish can actually make people less well by eating it."
anything for humans medically, it's likely that this
dish can actually make people less well by eating it."
No matter how many myths I will try to dispel after reading this book, my friend Sandi will refuse to believe me. She has an unrelenting terror of anything shark. If she were to go on a cruise or swim in the ocean, she is sure a shark would smell her fear and she would be a goner. Funny how, no matter the science, some people just can't deal with the truth.
In previous books, Dr. Nick Crumpton did his best to set the record straight concerning dinosaurs and minibeasts. Next up is Bugs, due for release in March. Sharks might be the world's least favorite creatures; many false facts have been reported and believed about them. Dr. Nick is here to prove people wrong. For kids who have an abiding interest in sharks, there is much here to intrigue and inform them.
On double-page spreads that are brilliantly illustrated by Gavin Scott, and in a conversational tone, the author reveals real evidence concerning these much-maligned ocean creatures. We know they are predatory, right? How many people do they kill? We have heard all the gruesome stories. Here are some facts from 2021:
Sharks killed 11 people (worldwide); cows killed 22 people (USA); bees, wasps, and hornets killed 62 people (USA); snakes killed 50,000 people (worldwide); and viruses and bacteria carried by mosquitoes killed 1 million people (worldwide). Gives some perspective, doesn't it? The truth is that humans kill 100 million sharks and rays every year, leaving a number of shark species at risk. For those who care about the future of sharks, there are things that can be done.
From spread to spread, Dr. Crumpton addresses such things as size, teeth, habitat, smell, reproduction, movement, usefulness, survival, lack of enemies, food, and breathing. There are hundreds of facts shared throughout the text that will surprise readers. So many are stamped WRONG! before he provides accuracy of fact. Gavin Scott fills each spread with the energy and allure of the ocean habitat, and the remarkable diversity to be found in these amazing apex predators. The realism found in his many scientific paintings holds real appeal for fans.
The glossary and index included in back matter are helpful for interested readers.
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