Saving Shark Pup by Sharon Dalgleish. Illus. by Amandine Thomas

Based on a true event of the time a shark pup washed up on the shores of Manly Beach, this captivating story will change how you might think about great white sharks. Told with a sense of urgency, this narrative will give the reader an insight into this feared shark from the perspective of a lost shark pup whom many will help to survive.

Washed up and in distress on Manly Beach, the pup is taken numerous times back out to sea. Unable to reorient itself in the sea, the pup is taken firstly to a shallow sea pool where he is unsettled and then to a deep pool where he spends the night with two human carers. All of this has been done quickly using a scissor net, chain mail gloves, a tub, transportation and dedicated staff from the Sea Life Sanctuary Rescue team. After a check-up and some vital injections, the pup is taken and released out in the ocean far from the shoreline. He fortunately finds his sense of direction and continues on his way.

Throughout this engaging narrative, the author shares interesting and relevant facts about great white sharks written in a smaller font. This combined with the striking watercolour illustrations, allows this book to be an enjoyable and fascinating read.  

Themes: Sharks, Danger, Safety, Human Contact, Facts, Sea Life Sanctuary, Rescue, Conservation, Narrative Non-fiction.

Kathryn Beilby