Survival in the Sea: The Story of a Hammerhead Shark (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection) [Hardcover]

Linda Lingemann (Author), Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator), Peter Thomas (Narrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Smithsonian Oceanic Collection

A hammerhead shark slices through the warm waters of the Gulf of California and people splash toward the shore, frightened by Hammerhead's presence. Hammerhead is not intending to frighten anyone; she is heading for the shallow waters of the nearby reef to give birth.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Survival in the Sea is written by Linda S. Lingemann and beautifully illustrated by Stephen Marchesi. The intent of this book and tape is to give young children an understanding of ocean wildlife and habitats. In the beginning of the story, the Hammerhead is looking for a safe place to give birth. After giving birth to 20 pups, she travels around looking for food. Although this is a fictionalized account of a day in the life of a Hammerhead, factual information is given throughout. Information is also given about the many different types of wildlife the Hammerhead encountersAtiger sharks, a whale shark, stingrays, orcas, squid, dolphinfish, and more. In one scene, Hammerhead is lured to bite down on a fishing line but breaks free at the very last minute. There is another brief encounter with humans, but the fish are spooked by the scuba gear and take off and hide in the seamount ridge. The narration by Peter Thomas is enhanced by ocean noises and other natural sound effects. The quality of the recording is excellent. The last page of the book has facts about Hammerheads; it also is included on the cassette. In addition, there is a glossary and brief index. This package should swim right off the shelves.
Ginny Harrell, William McGarrah Elementary School, Morrow, GA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Soundprints, together with the Smithsonian Institution, fosters at the earliest age an appreciation and understanding of wildlife and habitats so that children will grow to respect nature and the environment as adults. The Smithsonian Oceanic Collection explores the creatures that live in the oceans and on the shores. The series has been awarded Parents' Choice Honors! Each book includes an informative note and glossary full of fascinating facts confirmed by the Smithsonian curators.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Soundprints; 1st edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568997698
• ISBN-13: 978-1568997698
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,488,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to this unusual creature., February 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Survival in the Sea: The Story of a Hammerhead Shark (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Norwalk Conn.) (Hardcover)

This book teaches facts about the Hammerhead shark in a storybook format. The Hammerhead is born, swims away, then begins her life's work : searching for food. We learn why it is practical for Hammerhead to have such widely spaced eyes. Facts about other ocean creatures are included when they fit the story. The illustrations are realistic, including blood when Hammerhead scores dinner. I estimate this book is best for ages 4 - 8; short but informative.