Are you looking for some sharks children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Sharks are such a wonderful theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these shark books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or not dislike sharks, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested
1. The Ultimate Book of Sharks by Brian Skerry
Dive into the wild world of sharks! Get up close to learn the truth behind these fantastic, ferocious fish with famed National Geographic photographer and explorer Brian Skerry. Learn how sharks live, how they eat, the challenges they face, and whether or not you are actually on the menu!
Join this amazing underwater adventure to track the sharks of the world, from the teeniest dogfish to the feared great white. This ultimate book features every species of shark on the planet. It has awesome photos, fascinating facts, and firsthand stories of real-life encounters with these incredible creatures.
Literacy Extensions:
- Sharks Word Bank
- “I See Sharks” Student Counting Booklet
- Paper Plate Shark Art Project
- Sharks Build a Word Game
2. Shark Lady by Jess Keating
This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire. This is the story of Shark Lady. One of the best science picture books for children.
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary, and they didn’t think women should be scientists.
Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Sharks Can” Classroom Book
- “All About Sharks” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Sharks
- Sharks Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Fly Guy Presents: Sharks by Tedd Arnold
Award-winning author and illustrator Tedd Arnold brings nonfiction to life with the help of his very popular main character, Fly Guy! This engaging nonfiction reader combines the kid-friendly humor of Fly Guy with the high-interest topic of sharks!
Fly Guy and Buzz introduce young readers to sharks with straightforward fun facts and humorous asides. There are full shark photographs throughout the book for students to be amazed!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Our Favorite Sharks”
- Student Booklet: “I Can See Sharks”
- Sharks Counting: How Many Sharks
- My Shark Story: Student Worksheets
4. If Sharks Disappeared by Lilly Williams
A healthy ocean is home to many different kinds of animals. They can be
big, like a whale, tiny, like a shrimp, and even scary, like a shark. Even though sharks can be scary, we need them to keep the oceans healthy. Unfortunately, due to overfishing, many shark species are in danger of extinction, and that can cause big problems in the oceans and even on land.
What would happen if this continued and sharks disappeared completely? The author explores how the disappearance would affect other animals across the whole planet in this clever book about the importance of keeping sharks, and our oceans, healthy.
Literacy Extensions:
- Sharks Literature List
- Sharks Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Sharks Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Paper Bag Shark Puppets
5. Walter the Whale Shark by Katrine Crow
Walter the Whale Shark had spent all summer counting down the days to the first day of school. He couldn’t wait to make new shark friends and finally swim into his classroom for the first time. But the first class picture of the year changes everything.
Walter realizes there is one BIG difference between him and his shark classmates. After his discovery, Walter spends his day trying anything he can think of to blend in with the other sharks, only to learn that the things that make us feel like we don’t fit in are the very things that make us stand out. Children will love the beautifully illustrated under-the-sea setting in this dust jacket picture book that promotes self-love and acceptance.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Sharks” Student Booklet
- Sharks Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Sharks Art Project
- Sharks Number & Ten Frames
6. I’m a Shark by Bob Shea
Shark says he isn’t scared of anything, but everyone is afraid of something, even sharks! Is he afraid of the dark? Nah. A big mean bear? Don’t make me laugh!
But there is one thing that even Shark fears. Can you guess what it is? Read to find out just what Shark is afraid of, you will be surprised!
Literacy Extensions:
- Sharks Word Bank
- Sharks Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Sharks Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Sharks Roll & Cover Math Games
7. My First Book of Sharks by Buzz Bishop
From deep in the ocean to lakes and rivers, sharks live all around us. Help curious kids explore beneath the surface as they learn all about sharks and what makes them such amazing creatures.
This book is bursting with facts, photos, and vocabulary that bring sharks to life for little ones! Kids will be excited to learn about one of the most incredible ocean animals.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Different Kinds of Sharks” Classroom Book
- Sharks Make a Short Vowel Word
- Sharks Sight Word Games
- Sharks Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Sharks by Jaye Garnett
Learn all about the mighty shark with Smithsonian Kids First Discovery books! Touch, read, and discover fascinating facts about the often misunderstood, fascinating fish that has called the ocean its home for over 450 million years!
Embossed textures and bright, detailed photographs from Smithsonian are sure to engage, entertain, and educate children. Discover sharks from teeth to tail and learn new vocabulary words on every page. A lively, educational book designed for curious little readers packed with fun shark facts. A must for your little shark enthusiast!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Sharks Can” Classroom Book
- Sharks Letter & Sound Match Game
- Sharks Build a Word
- Sharks Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many shark children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of shark books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
