David G. Gordon

Dive deep with the greatest ocean predators!

Through pictures, beautiful illustrations and, in the case of the hardcopy, through a diecast model embedded in the pages, Inside Out: Sharks explores some of the most fearsome creatures to swim our seas. Layer by layer, body systems of the great white are explored. Paired with each segment are tons of interesting tidbits of info about diet, and lifestyle, though the author does tell us little is truly understood about these magnificent, deadly hunters.

Sharks are fascinating beasties. I had never heard the nickname 'tommy sharks, though 'White Death’ was a familiar moniker. I had no idea great whites are 'warm-blooded’ sharks. This is a different concept than the warm-blooded nature of mammals and birds, and it allows the shark to move faster and adapt better than its cold-blooded cousins. And not all sharks need to be constantly prowling just to live. Wobbegongs can chill on the ocean floor for long stretches because they can force water over their gills. Sharks also give us the largest single cell in the form of the whale shark’s football-sized ova.

My cubs and I really enjoyed reading this book. The language is meant for older readers, but the younger ones enjoyed the pictures, and all of them had lots of questions, prompting learning discussions. Overall, a fascinating look at sharks, and the perfect book for any nature-loving kid!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (meer)