Sharks and other deadly ocean creatures Visual encyclopedia

Through vivid, live-action color photographs and bite-size narrative, readers will meet more than 200 sharks and deadly ocean creatures in this highly browsable encyclopedia. Attention-grabbing phrases head the eight chapters that organize the sea life into such categories as Primeval Predators (prehistoric beasts), Mud-Rooting Monsters (bottom dwellers), Devils of the Dark (deep-sea residents), and Inshore Marauders (shoreline predators). The page layout varies between single- and double-page spreads, but all contain a close-up photo of the featured animal with its common and scientific name, labeled physical features, a short paragraph of text and quick fact, and a Data File, which uses preestablished icons to rate each creature's predator power, size, distribution, and diet. While the information offered is decidedly surface-level, kids will love poring over the wide array of animals captured within its pages. The barbeled dragonfish, brain coral, sarcastic fringehead, and gummy shark are just a few of the ocean dwellers that will hook readers. General reference information about sharks concludes, though it would perhaps have been better placed in the book's introduction.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2016 Booklist

This addition to the Visual Encyclopedia line uses eye-catching CGI graphics to introduce 150 undersea predators in eight chapters. "Devils of the Dark" highlights animals that lurk in the "darker depths" of the ocean, and "Cruisers and Chasers" includes sharks and other creatures that are always on the move. The species are introduced in succinct, lively text ("The zebra shark is a typical suction-feeder, and it captures prey hidden in the sand by sucking it up like a vacuum cleaner"), and "data file" boxes provide stats about their size, diet, location, and "predator power." Though sharks are well-represented throughout, readers may be pleasantly surprised by how many other hardcore creatures lurk underwater, like the peacock mantis shrimp, which can "smash its way out of an aquarium." Ages 9-12. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.