We are delighted to join the Nonfiction Picture Book meme 2018 hosted by Alyson Beecher @ Kid Lit Frenzy. We would also be linking our nonfiction choices with our reading themes throughout the year, when we can.
When I discovered (and fell in love with) Owen Davey’s Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders of Nature, I wanted to borrow similar juvenile nonfiction picturebooks. My online catalog search directed me to Davey’s other works, which have been published by Flying Eye Books. Myra featured Mad About Monkeys two years ago. Today, I’m sharing two more: Crazy About Cats and Smart About Sharks. Both copies were provided to me by Medina County District Library.
Both books are beautifully designed by Owen Davey. They share certain headings and follow an almost identical layout. Crazy About Cats and Smart About Sharks are great resources to teach kids about our feline friends and sneaky sharks. You’re sure to get the most out of the 40 pages that are packed with information and gorgeous illustrations. (Also included: an impressive index and what we can do to protect these animals.)
The text is lengthy, sure, but longer text doesn’t necessarily equate to a boring read. Owen Davey’s books are anything but boring. I had fun reading and learning about cats and sharks. It’s amazing how much there is to know about nature and animals.
Below you’ll find sample pages from the books and some fascinating facts that Owen Davey shared in the book.
Did you know…?
-
The loudest roar belongs to the lion. Louder than a live rock band, the lion’s roar can be heard 5 miles away.
-
The jaguar has the strongest jaws of all cats in relation to size. Its bite is so powerful that it can break the shells of turtles and tortoises.
-
Of all felids, the puma takes home the odd prize of having the most names. The puma is also widely known as a cougar, mountain lion, and panther. Its stranger names include catamount, shadow cat, deer tiger, and mountain screamer.
Weird and Wonderful Cats You Should Read About
Pallas' Cat Serval Sand Cat Black-Footed Cat Iberian Lynx Caracal Jaguarundi Flat-Headed Cat
Did you know…?
-
The average shark has 40-45 teeth and they have rows and rows of backup teeth for when the front tooth is broken off. Throughout the life of a shark, they may go through 30,000 teeth!
-
Sand tiger sharks are the only known species of shark to gulp in air and store it in their stomachs. This allows them to float above the ocean floor without moving or making a sound. (Good for food, bad for unsuspecting prey.)
-
The dwarf lanternshark is widely considered the smallest. (It is about the size of a standard pencil.)
Weird and Wonderful Sharks You Should Read About
Tropical Sawshark Ornate Angel Shark Goblin Shark Birdbeak Dogfish Shark Horn Shark Frilled Shark Megamouth Shark Pyjama Shark
Gathering Books 
I think eventually I’ll read these books. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve only read Crazy About Cats and loved it. I need to look for more. Thanks for highlighting the shark book, Fats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But WHY does the puma have so many names?
LikeLike