Sharks are often misunderstood creatures. People think about sharks as predators that will eat them alive the moment they fall into deep waters. Maybe it’s because of their up to 3,000 sharp teeth that makes people scared of them. But fear not because they are not as monstrous as they seem. They are just creatures who are also trying to survive the tough ecosystem under the ocean. As a matter of fact, there are more than 500 species of sharks all over the world approximately 30 of them were recorded to have ever attacked people. Also, almost 12 out of 500 are the ones considered to be dangerous when met.
Shark myths have long been scaring people, particularly children, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. As early as now, educate the toddlers to not be afraid of sharks and to love them for they are also living organisms that complete the food chain. You can also teach them to not be afraid of sharks by reading them heartwarming stories about these wonderful creatures. Hence, listed below are some touching tales about sharks that are perfect in shaping up the minds of toddlers.
Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman
Published by Orchard Books in April 24, 2018, Misunderstood Shark was authored by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Scott Magoon. It is intended for kids who are 3 to 5 years old. It follows the story of a shark that is frequently misunderstood. Under the sea, there was an ongoing shoot for a television show but the filming was disrupted by Shark, a big creature with a lot of pointed teeth. Everyone got scared of him immediately; they didn’t even bother to know his intentions. Later on, the poor Shark was accused of allegedly trying to devour a fish. But that isn’t true for he was only flaunting his new tooth to the little fish. When will Shark be free from judgment and prejudice by other marine creatures?
I’m a Shark by Bob Shea
Bob Shea is a prominent author and illustrator with works that were showcased in many television channels, such as Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids. I’m a Shark is Shea’s masterpiece, along with Big Plans, and Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, that was published by Balzer + Bray last April 26, 2011. The tale is humorous and touching. It centers on a shark that is not afraid of anything, such as the dark or big mean bear, but spiders. Once there was a tiny crab that asked the big shark on what he is scared of and the shark proudly answered that there isn’t anything that he is afraid of. Later on, the crab uncovered the fear of the shark, which is a tiny spider. Imagine a huge shark being afraid of a little spider? Impossible and funny, isn’t it? I’m a Shark is definitely a must-read for it do not only contain a wonderful tale but also beautiful illustrations that will entertain the kids.
Sammie the Shark and the Return of the Lost Gift by Janet Councilman
Published on October 30, 2019 by the Covenant Books, Sammie the Shark and the Return of the Lost Gift is a heartwarming story about a shark who found a shiny object at the bottom of the sea. Sammie lives in Coral Bay, a colorful place in the ocean, along with his friends. One day, he saw a sparkly thing but he doesn’t know what it is at first. He later on realized that it is indeed a treasure, but another question was raised: Who could be the owner of this shiny object? Thus, Sammie’s new goal is to find the owner of the lost gift and safely return it to him or her. The object turns out to be a very important present to someone who is very dear to him. The story showcases important values, such as friendship, helpfulness, and others, that need to be learned by children.
Hark! A Shark! All about Sharks by Bonnie Worth
Last January 08, 2013, Hark! A Shark! All about Sharks was published by Random House Books for Young Readers and is included in the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library Series. The book was authored by Bonnie Worth and Aristides Ruiz and was illustrated by Joe Mathieu. The story promotes learning, specifically learning about sharks, which is headed by the Cat in the Hat. The amazing Cat went under the water to discover the wonderful world of sharks. This nonfiction book will help the children to know the different kinds of sharks and how people study these amazing creatures. It also aims to teach the kids that sharks are not to be afraid of for they are not the same scary beasts like the movies show. Hence, it is perfect for kids who are both into fun, science, and learning.
Alex Writes 