Anyone who has read Keating's chapter book series, My Life Is a Zoo, can tell you that she knows her animal facts. And if there was any question of that, her book, Pink Is for Blobfish, pretty much shut down any doubters. Now she has an awesome biography of Eugenie Clark, and this book is a sure-fire new favorite in any library's collection. It has so much going for it. There is the character of Eugenie - with her keen interest in the ocean and its inhabitants. Her lifelong search for more answers and deeper understanding will resonate with young readers who have their own favorite topics. (You must know someone who can tell you the names of all the various dinosaurs, or the stats on all the characters in their favorite video game.)
The illustrations are another enticement to pick up the book and immerse yourself in the cool blues and greens of the underwater scenes. Or you may choose to laugh out loud at the spread showing Eugenie at the aquarium, pretending that she is walking along the sea bottom as she makes her way through the other visitors among the displays.
And then there are the "Shark Bites." These are extra tidbits of information in the back matter. They cover things mentioned in the book that would have broken the rhythm of the narrative to explain in too much detail, but that readers will probably be curious about. A timeline of Eugenie's life covers all the highlights and has illustrations of Dr. Clark and her beloved sharks to liven it up. And the author's note explains why Jess chose to write the biography and offers a short bibliography for those who would like to learn even more.
Altogether a fascinating story of an intrepid knowledge-seeker, beautiful illustrations, and great support material. Highly recommended for elementary school classrooms and libraries, and for young readers with an interest in sharks or oceanography.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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