The funny life of sharks by James Campbell
Illus. by Rob Jones. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020. ISBN:
9781526615497.
(Age: 8+ years) Recommended. The funny life of sharks is the
third book in The funny life of . . . series by author
James Campbell and illustrator Rob Jones. Before reading, a warning
is given that this is not a fact book and it is a book for four
different types of people: People who love sharks; People who do not
like sharks; People who are sharks; People who have no interest in
sharks. The reader learns that this is not an ordinary read where
you read from front to back but a book where you can begin or end
where you want or follow the signposts throughout the book. Finally,
on Page 14 the book begins with signposts to other pages. There are
interesting shark facts spread throughout the book and clever use of
humour e.g. Nurse sharks have been given that name as they are used
in hospitals as a way of keeping patients quiet and you are more
likely to be killed by your toaster than a shark.
While this book claims that it is not a fact book, the author has a
strong environmental message regarding plastics in the oceans and
endangered animals. There are also other interesting facets of
information about things related to sharks or not related at all.
Adelaide, S.A., even has its own page of information based on great
white shark attacks. The clever illustrations by Rob Jones
complement the text perfectly.
This is both a humorous and enjoyable read that will entertain
readers both young and old. Themes: Sharks,
Environmental facts, Humour.
Kathryn Beilby