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Neighborhood Sharks, Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands

Neighborhood Sharks, Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

The neighborhood sharks referred to in this book are a group of Great White sharks that spend 4 months in the Fall near the Farallon Islands off San Fransisco. The author/illustrator spent time there with a shark research team learning about the ecosystem and this thrilling predator/prey relationship. In recounting the act of one shark hunting one seal the author covers the science of the shark's body design, vision, teeth, and social interaction all integral to their success. Even the biology of their perfect meal, the elephant seal is covered. The watercolor illustrations, predominantly done in blue,gray and blood red, are just realistic enough without being sensational. Perfectly paced to convey the science, but also capture the thrill and drama of hunting with the largest predatory fish in the ocean. I'm recommending this for "Cream of the Crop"

Overall Book Score: excellent