Surprising Sharks: questions to ask and activities to try
The last word you want to hear in the sea is “Shark!” But most sharks aren't what you'd expect. Surprising Sharks is a fun, fact-filled book about what sharks are really like.
What age is it for? Surprising Sharks is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Real facts about sharks, and looking past first impressions.
Surprising Sharks (Nicola Davies and James Croft)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Real facts about sharks, and looking past first impressions
Read the main story, then go back for the small facts. Talk about how sharks aren't as scary as people think, and other things that surprise us when we learn more.
What it helps with
- Curiosity about the natural world
- Real animal facts
- Looking past first impressions
- Feeling less scared through learning
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did you think sharks were like before?”
- “What’s the smallest shark?”
- “Which shark glows?”
- “Do most sharks want to eat people?”
- “What surprised you most?”
- “Is there something you were scared of that turned out OK?”
5-minute activities to try together
Shark facts
Pick three shark facts to tell someone else, as if you were a TV presenter.
Size it up
Find something the size of the smallest shark in the book, like a chocolate bar.
Free printables: Surprising Sharks worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Beware of the Crocodile (Martin Jenkins and Satoshi Kitamura)
- Best for
- Curious children who love real animal facts
- Age
- 4-8
Once Upon a Jungle (Laura Knowles and James Boast)
- Best for
- How the jungle food chain works
- Age
- 3-7
Hooray for Fish! (Lucy Cousins)
- Best for
- Colours, describing words and a happy ending
- Age
- 0-4
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.