What do you think?
Rate this book
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-related myths she dispelled, Eugenie's wide scientific contributions led to the well-earned nickname "Shark Lady."
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2017
About the author
Jess Keating
26 books252 followersFind her on Twitter @Jess_Keating and on Instagram @JessKeatingBooks!
Jess Keating is an award-winning author, cartoonist, and zoologist, whose work has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, Buzzfeed, Parents Magazine, and more.
She is the creator of over a dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including Eat Your Rocks, Croc!, Shark Lady, Pink is for Blobfish, the Elements of Genius middle grade series, and the graphic novel series, Bunbun & Bonbon.
Sign up for weekly tips and tricks on mindful creative living at www.jesskeatingbooks.com/10secrets
Jess Keating is an award-winning author, cartoonist, and zoologist, whose work has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, Buzzfeed, Parents Magazine, and more.
She is the creator of over a dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including Eat Your Rocks, Croc!, Shark Lady, Pink is for Blobfish, the Elements of Genius middle grade series, and the graphic novel series, Bunbun & Bonbon.
Sign up for weekly tips and tricks on mindful creative living at www.jesskeatingbooks.com/10secrets
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 551 reviews
July 14, 2021
I’ve become a fan of these education/picture books for children. They are often cute, usually have a simple but important message, and are a fun way for kids to learn a couple of things. And occasionally I learn something as well.
This book here is a short biography of Eugenie Clark, who was born in 1922 and at the age of nine fell in love with sharks. She wanted to study zoology, but people (including some of her professors) kept telling her that as a woman she was neither smart enough to be a scientist, nor brave enough to explore the sea. And besides, sharks are mindless monsters anyway. Well, she proved them wrong. On all acounts.
This is another book with beautiful and, in this case, very cute illustrations.
It also has a great message of how we must not let anyone tell us what we can and can’t do. Follow your dreams. If you put in the work and believe in yourself then they actually might come true.
However, for a book about a person who became a pioneer in the research of shark behavior I would have expected a couple more pieces of information on sharks. Again, the message is great. Sharks are not evil and dumb, and we shouldn’t be afraid of them. In fact, they have much more reason to be afraid of us. But there are very few examples here to reinforce that. But then again, this book is aimed at ages 4 and up. And while I’m certainly and up, I’m probably not in the target group anymore. For me this one was a little too short and stayed too much on the surface. The time line of Eugenie Clark’s life, which is included at the end of the book, was interesting though. At least for me, who barely knew anything about this exceptional woman and scientist.
3.5 stars rounded up, with the target group in mind.
Here’s a book trailer, that lets you see a little more of the illustrations.
This book here is a short biography of Eugenie Clark, who was born in 1922 and at the age of nine fell in love with sharks. She wanted to study zoology, but people (including some of her professors) kept telling her that as a woman she was neither smart enough to be a scientist, nor brave enough to explore the sea. And besides, sharks are mindless monsters anyway. Well, she proved them wrong. On all acounts.
This is another book with beautiful and, in this case, very cute illustrations.
It also has a great message of how we must not let anyone tell us what we can and can’t do. Follow your dreams. If you put in the work and believe in yourself then they actually might come true.
However, for a book about a person who became a pioneer in the research of shark behavior I would have expected a couple more pieces of information on sharks. Again, the message is great. Sharks are not evil and dumb, and we shouldn’t be afraid of them. In fact, they have much more reason to be afraid of us. But there are very few examples here to reinforce that. But then again, this book is aimed at ages 4 and up. And while I’m certainly and up, I’m probably not in the target group anymore. For me this one was a little too short and stayed too much on the surface. The time line of Eugenie Clark’s life, which is included at the end of the book, was interesting though. At least for me, who barely knew anything about this exceptional woman and scientist.
3.5 stars rounded up, with the target group in mind.
Here’s a book trailer, that lets you see a little more of the illustrations.
March 27, 2017
To see this review and learn more about Eugenie Clark, please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com
Shark Lady by Jess Keating is a children's book about Eugenie Clark and how she became an ocean scientist.
We recently read another similar book about Eugenie Clark, but this one is even better. The story starts in her childhood and explains her love for sharks.
What makes this story so great is that everyone told her that her dreams weren't realistic and that she should do something else with her life. It's a good thing Eugenie was so strong willed and didn't believe what others told her. The negative information she was handed didn't stop her from following her dreams. Without much support, she moves on to become a successful scientist who makes new discoveries and studies sharks.
The illustrations are super colorful and interesting. There are even facts, a timeline, and author's note in the conclusion.
This is a wonderful children's book for schools, libraries, and homes.
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing a copy with me.
5*****
Shark Lady by Jess Keating is a children's book about Eugenie Clark and how she became an ocean scientist.
We recently read another similar book about Eugenie Clark, but this one is even better. The story starts in her childhood and explains her love for sharks.
What makes this story so great is that everyone told her that her dreams weren't realistic and that she should do something else with her life. It's a good thing Eugenie was so strong willed and didn't believe what others told her. The negative information she was handed didn't stop her from following her dreams. Without much support, she moves on to become a successful scientist who makes new discoveries and studies sharks.
The illustrations are super colorful and interesting. There are even facts, a timeline, and author's note in the conclusion.
This is a wonderful children's book for schools, libraries, and homes.
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing a copy with me.
5*****
August 1, 2019
5 stars
The first sharks appeared over 400 million years ago. They have survived five major extinctions, including the one that destroyed the dinosaurs!
From the Author's Note:
I wanted to tell Eugenie Clark's story for several reasons.
As a scientist, Eugenie lived an incredible life, full of hard work, passion, and undying curiosity. Through her legacy, she stood up for sharks and in the process, stood up for herself. People assumed that sharks were evil and dumb. They also assumed that little girls shouldn't dream of swimming with them.
On both accounts, she proved them wrong.
Eugenie's life emphasizes how we must never let the world tell us what we can and can't do. It especially can't tell us how brave we will choose to be. I think this is a message important for young girls, boys, everyone, to hear.
And perhaps, most importantly, as a member of the human race, I think Eugenie's belief in protecting the earth's species, no matter how different they are from us, is needed now more than ever.
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpBV...
Printable Bookmarks (PDF):
https://jesskeating.com/wp-content/up...
*** I think my rating makes it clear how I felt about this read and I'm more than happy to let Jess Keating's words, Marta Alvarez Miguens' wonderful illustrations, and the notable accomplishments of Eugenie Clark speak for themselves. I would like to learn more about Ms. Clark and her research, as well as her marine conservation efforts, in future...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenie...
The first sharks appeared over 400 million years ago. They have survived five major extinctions, including the one that destroyed the dinosaurs!
From the Author's Note:
I wanted to tell Eugenie Clark's story for several reasons.
As a scientist, Eugenie lived an incredible life, full of hard work, passion, and undying curiosity. Through her legacy, she stood up for sharks and in the process, stood up for herself. People assumed that sharks were evil and dumb. They also assumed that little girls shouldn't dream of swimming with them.
On both accounts, she proved them wrong.
Eugenie's life emphasizes how we must never let the world tell us what we can and can't do. It especially can't tell us how brave we will choose to be. I think this is a message important for young girls, boys, everyone, to hear.
And perhaps, most importantly, as a member of the human race, I think Eugenie's belief in protecting the earth's species, no matter how different they are from us, is needed now more than ever.
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpBV...
Printable Bookmarks (PDF):
https://jesskeating.com/wp-content/up...
*** I think my rating makes it clear how I felt about this read and I'm more than happy to let Jess Keating's words, Marta Alvarez Miguens' wonderful illustrations, and the notable accomplishments of Eugenie Clark speak for themselves. I would like to learn more about Ms. Clark and her research, as well as her marine conservation efforts, in future...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenie...
January 22, 2018
Shark Lady is the inspiring true story of Eugenie Clark, who I had never heard of but definitely need to learn more about. In this beautifully illustrated children’s book the reader is taken on a journey from when Eugenie first discovers her love of sharks at the aquarium through to her lifelong study of these magnificent animals, academically and in the field.
Defying the cultural expectations of her gender that said girls were not “smart enough to be scientists or brave enough to explore the oceans” (BOO!), Eugenie did both and became known as Shark Lady (WOOHOO!). Throughout her life some of the amazing things she accomplished included writing books and journal articles, discovering new species of fish and dispelling myths about sharks.
Included in this book are some Shark Bites (two pages of information about sharks) and a timeline of Eugenie’s life. Eugenie lived into her 90’s and spent her final birthday scuba diving! How cool is this lady?! 💜 Her story is inspirational and a testament to what hard work combined with believing in your dreams can amount to.
I remember needing to do a report to the class in early high school where you chose an animal and talked about its biology. I chose sharks and no one could understand why. Ever since Bruce nearly scared the life out of me while watching Jaws as a young child I’ve been fascinated by these extraordinary creatures, so I particularly loved Eugenie’s story.
Marta Álvarez Miguéns’ illustrations are so beautiful! I love that the marine life looks real, rather than a cartoon version of them and adored that the clothing worn by everyone at the aquarium when Eugenie was a child were appropriate for the early 1930’s, even including an array of fantastic hats. My favourite illustration is the one where the sharks watch from behind the library shelves as Eugenie studies. There are so many imaginative illustrations and they help bring the wonder and passion of this girl to life.
I’d recommend this book to children and adults alike. Future scientists will be encouraged by her story and I hope after reading this book that anyone with a dream will be inspired to follow it, regardless of what anyone else thinks. This is one of those marvellous books that makes me so proud to be a woman. GIRL POWER! 😃
P.S. I love that my library buys books like this one!!!
Defying the cultural expectations of her gender that said girls were not “smart enough to be scientists or brave enough to explore the oceans” (BOO!), Eugenie did both and became known as Shark Lady (WOOHOO!). Throughout her life some of the amazing things she accomplished included writing books and journal articles, discovering new species of fish and dispelling myths about sharks.
Included in this book are some Shark Bites (two pages of information about sharks) and a timeline of Eugenie’s life. Eugenie lived into her 90’s and spent her final birthday scuba diving! How cool is this lady?! 💜 Her story is inspirational and a testament to what hard work combined with believing in your dreams can amount to.
I remember needing to do a report to the class in early high school where you chose an animal and talked about its biology. I chose sharks and no one could understand why. Ever since Bruce nearly scared the life out of me while watching Jaws as a young child I’ve been fascinated by these extraordinary creatures, so I particularly loved Eugenie’s story.
Marta Álvarez Miguéns’ illustrations are so beautiful! I love that the marine life looks real, rather than a cartoon version of them and adored that the clothing worn by everyone at the aquarium when Eugenie was a child were appropriate for the early 1930’s, even including an array of fantastic hats. My favourite illustration is the one where the sharks watch from behind the library shelves as Eugenie studies. There are so many imaginative illustrations and they help bring the wonder and passion of this girl to life.
I’d recommend this book to children and adults alike. Future scientists will be encouraged by her story and I hope after reading this book that anyone with a dream will be inspired to follow it, regardless of what anyone else thinks. This is one of those marvellous books that makes me so proud to be a woman. GIRL POWER! 😃
P.S. I love that my library buys books like this one!!!
July 3, 2022
Eugenie knew better.
Her dream was as big as a whale shark.
So again, Eugenie dove.
This is a picture book about Eugenie Clark who was known as the shark lady. Eugenie loved the ocean from a very young age and she wanted to explore more about the sea including sharks. She discovered three new species of fish - Red Sea sand diver: Trichonotus nikii, Barred xenia pipefish: Siokunichthys bentuviai, and Volcano triplefin: Helcogramma vulcana.
I loved this. This picture book not only tells Eugenie Clark's love for sharks and the sea but also encourages young children to follow their dreams. It has an author's note at the back and it also gives some basic information about sharks at the back. I love the colorful illustrations too. Very educative and a must-read for all.
5 stars
Her dream was as big as a whale shark.
So again, Eugenie dove.
This is a picture book about Eugenie Clark who was known as the shark lady. Eugenie loved the ocean from a very young age and she wanted to explore more about the sea including sharks. She discovered three new species of fish - Red Sea sand diver: Trichonotus nikii, Barred xenia pipefish: Siokunichthys bentuviai, and Volcano triplefin: Helcogramma vulcana.
I loved this. This picture book not only tells Eugenie Clark's love for sharks and the sea but also encourages young children to follow their dreams. It has an author's note at the back and it also gives some basic information about sharks at the back. I love the colorful illustrations too. Very educative and a must-read for all.
5 stars
June 26, 2023
Outstanding book! Even though she is a famous zoologist this book introduced me to this scientist. She was an incredible woman. Accomplished, passionate, caring, smart, and her achievements are especially impressive because she was born in 1922 and had to buck convention to follow her dreams. This is another story about the power of nature, of books, and of a supportive family background and what a difference they can make. Eugenie Clark knew from an early age what her interests were and how to go about creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. There is a lot about her in the book proper and in the extra section in the back too. There is also a lot of information about sharks provided in the book. I learned some things.
While I’m not a fan of captive or trained wild animals I was interested in what I read and I appreciated that Clark did a lot of research in the sharks’ natural habitats and worked to make sure they were understood or at least not hunted or abused by humans.
The illustrations are terrific and fit the book.
I’m happy and grateful that this book is available. This woman deserves to be introduced to as many people as possible.
I appreciate that the author is also a zoologist.
A short bibliography is provided, and it includes two works by Eugenie Clark.
4-1/2 stars
While I’m not a fan of captive or trained wild animals I was interested in what I read and I appreciated that Clark did a lot of research in the sharks’ natural habitats and worked to make sure they were understood or at least not hunted or abused by humans.
The illustrations are terrific and fit the book.
I’m happy and grateful that this book is available. This woman deserves to be introduced to as many people as possible.
I appreciate that the author is also a zoologist.
A short bibliography is provided, and it includes two works by Eugenie Clark.
4-1/2 stars
June 9, 2018
Why have I never heard of this fascinating woman before? Eugenie Clark, born in 1922, was enamoured by sharks from an early age, and read everything she could find about these beautiful creatures. That's before completing masters and doctorate degrees in zoology. And going on multiple dives, discovering creatures, publishing numerous articles, and proving sharks are not mindless killers, and they can, in fact, be trained.
Thank you Jess Keating* for writing this terrific biography (aimed at kids) about a scientist who did amazing things in pursuit of creatures she loved. The illustrations, by Marta Alvarez Miguens, are vivid and beautiful.
*I saw Jess Keating at my local library reading this book to a bunch of kids, and had to know what this book was about because of the illustrations I could see from across the room.
Thank you Jess Keating* for writing this terrific biography (aimed at kids) about a scientist who did amazing things in pursuit of creatures she loved. The illustrations, by Marta Alvarez Miguens, are vivid and beautiful.
*I saw Jess Keating at my local library reading this book to a bunch of kids, and had to know what this book was about because of the illustrations I could see from across the room.
March 13, 2023
Very well done. This book is recommended for grades K to grade 3. It's a beautifully illustrated book about Eugenie Clark, who was nicknamed "the Shark Lady". I loved what the author had to say at the end of the book in the author's note and will add that here, because I feel it important and reflects my own beliefs.
"I wanted to tell Eugenie Clark's story for several reasons. As a scientist, Eugenie lived an incredible life full of hard work, passion, and undying curiosity. Through her legacy, she stood up for sharks, and in the process, stood up for herself. People assumed that sharks were evil and dumb. They also assumed that little girls shouldn't dream of swimming with them. On both accounts, she proved them wrong. Eugenie's life emphasizes how we must never let the world tell us what we can and can't do. It especially can't tell us how brave we will choose to be. I think this is a message important for young girls, boys - everyone - to hear. And perhaps more importantly, as a member of the human race, I think Eugenie's belief in protecting the earth's species-no matter how different they are from us-is needed now more than ever."
I couldn't agree more with this message.
The book gives the story with real life details and a timeline of events. Eugenie passed away in her home in the company of family on Feb. 25, 2015. I loved reading just before that ...Eugenie celebrated her 92nd birthday by scuba diving with a group of divers in Jordan and Israel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, for giving me a digital edition to read. I highly recommend it. Aged 4- to 94! Read it!!! You will be glad you did.
Reread! Read with students at school 🏫 this week for Women’s History Month. Outstanding! I’m like it even better this time. What an amazing woman! I’d give it more stars ⭐️ if I could.
"I wanted to tell Eugenie Clark's story for several reasons. As a scientist, Eugenie lived an incredible life full of hard work, passion, and undying curiosity. Through her legacy, she stood up for sharks, and in the process, stood up for herself. People assumed that sharks were evil and dumb. They also assumed that little girls shouldn't dream of swimming with them. On both accounts, she proved them wrong. Eugenie's life emphasizes how we must never let the world tell us what we can and can't do. It especially can't tell us how brave we will choose to be. I think this is a message important for young girls, boys - everyone - to hear. And perhaps more importantly, as a member of the human race, I think Eugenie's belief in protecting the earth's species-no matter how different they are from us-is needed now more than ever."
I couldn't agree more with this message.
The book gives the story with real life details and a timeline of events. Eugenie passed away in her home in the company of family on Feb. 25, 2015. I loved reading just before that ...Eugenie celebrated her 92nd birthday by scuba diving with a group of divers in Jordan and Israel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, for giving me a digital edition to read. I highly recommend it. Aged 4- to 94! Read it!!! You will be glad you did.
Reread! Read with students at school 🏫 this week for Women’s History Month. Outstanding! I’m like it even better this time. What an amazing woman! I’d give it more stars ⭐️ if I could.
August 25, 2021
Read for my toddler’s nap time. A fantastic biography about Eugenie Clark, a shark lady. A girl who loved sharks at a young age, went through school to obtain her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree to study sharks and spend time with sharks, diving deep into the ocean. She defied the norms by proving that women can be smart enough during a time when women should be a secretary or a housewife. Loved the illustrations!
Read from kindle unlimited.
Read from kindle unlimited.
July 3, 2022
Picture Books are a treasure trove of information. They are a powerhouse of art and story in just 40-50 pages, and Dr. Eugenie Clark's story proved just that.
The 'Shark Lady' as she came to be known, went on to prove that sharks are not mindless creatures. Around the world, sharks were hunted by mankind because they scared them. But Dr. Eugenie dispelled this myth by devoting her life to their study.
In the process, she ended up discovering 3 new species of fishes too.
She also faced casual sexism during her university period where people and professors told her that women are not built for the ocean or for other such jobs. They should stay at home. Dr. Eugenie had a talent and a knack for working hard, which propelled her forward, leaving behind any such myths on her gender.
Salute, and nothing less to such icons of the global society.
The 'Shark Lady' as she came to be known, went on to prove that sharks are not mindless creatures. Around the world, sharks were hunted by mankind because they scared them. But Dr. Eugenie dispelled this myth by devoting her life to their study.
In the process, she ended up discovering 3 new species of fishes too.
She also faced casual sexism during her university period where people and professors told her that women are not built for the ocean or for other such jobs. They should stay at home. Dr. Eugenie had a talent and a knack for working hard, which propelled her forward, leaving behind any such myths on her gender.
Salute, and nothing less to such icons of the global society.
June 6, 2017
I don't usually review picture books, but I knew Shark Lady was the perfect book for my family. My oldest son is 7 and mostly reads nonfiction with a heavy emphasis on sharks. His goal is to write a book about sharks and asked for a typewriter last Christmas so that he could start writing his book.
This book is everything we were looking for. Eugenie Clark lived such an inspirational life. What she achieved as a female scientist is incredible considering the mindset regarding women in the workplace at the time. My son appreciated this book more for the "shark scientist" angle and the fact that she lived the life he dreams of. I loved this book for the female empowerment. Eugenie Clark knew what she wanted from life and she didn't let the restrictions of society restrict what she wanted to achieve. Shark Lady gave me a glimpse of a woman that I can't wait to know more about. This book is a real gem and I'm glad we found it. We ordered a copy for our bookshelf and can't wait to see it in its final form.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review, but I loved it so much that I ordered a copy for my bookshelf.
This book is everything we were looking for. Eugenie Clark lived such an inspirational life. What she achieved as a female scientist is incredible considering the mindset regarding women in the workplace at the time. My son appreciated this book more for the "shark scientist" angle and the fact that she lived the life he dreams of. I loved this book for the female empowerment. Eugenie Clark knew what she wanted from life and she didn't let the restrictions of society restrict what she wanted to achieve. Shark Lady gave me a glimpse of a woman that I can't wait to know more about. This book is a real gem and I'm glad we found it. We ordered a copy for our bookshelf and can't wait to see it in its final form.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review, but I loved it so much that I ordered a copy for my bookshelf.
August 25, 2017
August 24, 2017: A brief biography of an accomplished marine biologist Eugenie Clark that I'm sure children would find fascinating thanks to interesting subject matter and gorgeous artwork. I wish the author focused on one chosen moment in Eugenie's life to relay her message of merits of scientific curiosity and shark conservation, rather then just briefly skimming through, but it works for the very young readers. I learned a bit too! I had no idea about resting sharks and will need to research more on the subject.
March 20, 2018
Found this on Youtube after it had been recommended. What a wonderful woman Eugenie Clark was.
March 24, 2018
My only complaint about this picture book is that there wasn't space for MORE information about Clark and her adventures and research.
June 24, 2021
I loved this, as did my children. I highly recommend not only for it's actually quite gentle illustrations and positive portrayal of sharks but also as a really fine biography of an inspiring and pioneering (female) biologist. It is really quite outstanding for the target audience as it conveys the spirit of Eugenie Clark and her very important message in an engaging yet succinct way perfect for the younger picture book crowd (if you're looking for an in-depth picture book biography with lots of details and extensive back matter suitable for upper elementary or middle schoolers, this isn't it). If I'm being nit-picky, it would have been nice to have the story itself make clear the dates in which the milestones of Clark's life took place, but at least there's a timeline at the back. The illustrations are also wonderful. I love that the sharks don't look like something from a horror movie (no JAWS poses here!) and that we are taught to appreciate and respect sharks, that humans are more dangerous to sharks than sharks are to humans, and that sharks are intelligent and remarkable creatures that deserve to be protected rather than being seen as mindless killing machines and hunted and maligned for it. Includes some facts about sharks, a timeline of Clark's life, and a Bibliography at the back. I only wish there had a photograph of Eugenie in the back matter, too, as the ones I looked up online are marvelous.
May 17, 2018
Any showcase of the awesome and pioneering Eugenie Clark is fantastic to me — I’ve been a huge fan since seeing a movie about her at my local science museum when I was a kiddo. Excessive nerdery: if Goodreads did half stars, I’d knock a half off for the fact that the majority of the illustrated sharks have 4 gill slits... most shark illustrations default to 3 (incorrect but arguably excusable) even though sharks actually have 5 (or 7), but this illustrator opted for 4, which is both unusual and inaccurate. In a book about sharks and science, written by a zoologist, that little detail made me twitch. However, I recognize that this is a small thing that only I am twitching over, and it’s not worth knocking a whole star off an otherwise wonderful book about a beloved icon so... ok. This is a lovely animal-loving and feminist STEM book for shark and Eugenie fans of all ages, and I’m delighted that her legacy lives on.
February 6, 2017
Author Jess Keating has done it again! Keating's Shark Lady is the magnificent story of zoologist Dr. Eugenie Clark, who studied sharks and taught us more about them AND women scientists than had been discovered before. Keating has included facts about sharks, as well as a timeline about a fascinating scientist. Shark Lady is a winner!
June 6, 2017
This book ticks all my boxes for nonfiction except one - no photo of the subject. I believe with all my heart that having that photo in the back seals the deal for kid readers, who have trouble distinguishing between fiction and nonfiction in the first place sometimes.
And besides, there are some VERY excellent photos of Dr. Clark.
And besides, there are some VERY excellent photos of Dr. Clark.
May 7, 2018
No wonder Shark Lady was a pick for the 2018 Amelia Bloomer Top Ten List! The illustrations are engaging and draw the reader into Eugenie Clark's story as much as the text does. Shark Lady is a great primer for research and activism. Prepare to have your young reader championing a new cause, whether it's sharks or something else entirely. The back matter is equally good.
December 21, 2017
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Shark Lady: The True Story Of How Eugenie Clark Became The Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist, written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns, a biography of the pioneering ichthyologist and her dedication to changing the world’s mind about sharks.
When she was a child, there was no place Eugenie would rather be than the aquarium. She spent hours at a time watching the fish swim and learning about their species, habitats, and behaviors. And there was no type of fish that Eugenie loved more than the sharks; while many people saw them as mindless eating machines, Eugenie saw fascinating and intelligent creatures. Eugenie dedicated her life to studying sharks and other marine life, fighting discrimination against her gender and public views of sharks the whole way. Eugenie refused to be scared – of the sharks or the people – and made breakthrough discoveries that have changed what we know about sharks to this day.
This is the second biography we’ve read on Dr. Clark, and we enjoyed this one just as much. While Swimming With Sharks by Heather Lang was a more in-depth biography for older readers, this one is the perfect way to introduce Eugenie and her love of marine biology to younger ones. The text is written in a more story-like narrative, which allows little readers to follow her childhood and early career. The illustrations are wonderful, full of color, joy, determination, and just a hint of fantasy that inspires readers to see the world through Eugenie’s eyes. The length is perfect, JJ loved all the sharks and fishes, and I loved the message: girls can be and do whatever they dream of… they simply have to dive in. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 29, 2021
I love the message here about following your passion and persisting even when others are telling you to give up. The artwork by Marta Álvarez Miguéns is crisp & charming, and the story is simple enough to be an easy bedtime read.
I can't give this five stars, though, for three reasons:
1. When Eugenie was a girl, her mom got her a 15 gallon tank, and she got "guppies and clownfish and coral-red snails." I don't know what a coral-red snail is (it's probably a red ramshorn, which is common in aquariums), but clownfish are saltwater fish and guppies are freshwater (or, at best, brackish) fish - you can't have them in the tank together! I'm not sure where Keating got this from. If you're going to include specific facts, make sure they are correct.
2. One one page, Eugenie was described as scuba diving alone. Maybe that really happened and I'm being unfair here, and I do not dive so I don't really know, but ... isn't diving alone very dangerous? I don't like to see dangerous pursuits described in children's books, just in case kids try to copy it.
3. No photo! I like these picture book biographies, but I always flip to the back for a photo of the person, just to make it feel more real.
I can't give this five stars, though, for three reasons:
1. When Eugenie was a girl, her mom got her a 15 gallon tank, and she got "guppies and clownfish and coral-red snails." I don't know what a coral-red snail is (it's probably a red ramshorn, which is common in aquariums), but clownfish are saltwater fish and guppies are freshwater (or, at best, brackish) fish - you can't have them in the tank together! I'm not sure where Keating got this from. If you're going to include specific facts, make sure they are correct.
2. One one page, Eugenie was described as scuba diving alone. Maybe that really happened and I'm being unfair here, and I do not dive so I don't really know, but ... isn't diving alone very dangerous? I don't like to see dangerous pursuits described in children's books, just in case kids try to copy it.
3. No photo! I like these picture book biographies, but I always flip to the back for a photo of the person, just to make it feel more real.
April 23, 2018
This book should be a model for other picture book biographies because this is what I want every single time: cute, imaginative illustrations (loved the fish and whatnot following Eugenie around everywhere), small tidbits from the person's life (I don't need to know everything; this is a picture book), and thorough back matter, including my very favorite--a timeline. In addition to all of this, Shark Lady makes me want to learn more about sharks (which I do not like.) This book is perfect for budding scientists and fans of Shark Week.
Read
December 8, 2021Shark Lady is written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns. This book is the true story of How Eugenie Clack became an ocean scientist. This book is an Amelia Bloomer award-winning book. The spreads in this book are wonderful, the illustrator did an amazing job with the underworld and the beautiful colors. The author included a front flap as well as a back flap and a author's note. This book shows how women or more than cooks, cleaners, and babysitters.
June 25, 2018
This picture book is amazing. The illustrations are beautiful, and Eugenie Clark is now my hero, right up there with astronomer Maria Mitchell. A lot of the sentiments expressed about sharks in this book are right in line with my own. Thank you Jess Keating and Marta Alvarez Miguens for such an inspiring book that I can love and share with my kids.
May 1, 2017
Must read if you:
This is a must read if you:
Love sharks
Are interested in marine biology
Enjoy picture book biographies
Enjoy picture books
Want to promote pioneering females
Want to integrate STEM / STEAM into your classroom
Want to encourage a curious child.
This is a must read if you:
Love sharks
Are interested in marine biology
Enjoy picture book biographies
Enjoy picture books
Want to promote pioneering females
Want to integrate STEM / STEAM into your classroom
Want to encourage a curious child.
June 18, 2017
This nonfiction picture book biography of Eugenie Clark is nothing short of spectacular.
January 4, 2018
A new nonfiction favorite at our house! My son, who wants to be a marine biologist, was so inspired by Eugenie Clark.
October 22, 2019
The myth that sharks 🦈 can’t stop swimming or they’ll die was dispelled by Shark Lady. Very interesting story.
August 25, 2023
We recently took our kids to an aquarium and saw this book in the gift shop. I read it to my daughter last night, and I really like this book for several reasons:
1. It tells the true story of Eugenie Clark, an American ichthyologist (fish scientist) who overcame prejudices against women in the field of marine biology to become an authority in marine biology, and hopefully can be an inspiration to my daughter.
2. It continues to further Clark’s goals of dispelling myths about sharks (such as them being “mindless killers,” and even innocuous ones, like sharks needing to swim constantly in order to breathe) and ocean conservation, two more things that I hope to instill in my daughter.
3. The art is also really nice, and captures the imagination of someone fascinated by the ocean.
4. After the story, it includes shark “bites” (facts) and an illustrated timeline of Clark’s life. These and the illustrations of marine animals on the endsheets all provide additional information for interested minds who can read independently (my daughter didn't want me to read these pages).
Apparently my daughter really liked it too, because she requested I read it again tonight!
1. It tells the true story of Eugenie Clark, an American ichthyologist (fish scientist) who overcame prejudices against women in the field of marine biology to become an authority in marine biology, and hopefully can be an inspiration to my daughter.
2. It continues to further Clark’s goals of dispelling myths about sharks (such as them being “mindless killers,” and even innocuous ones, like sharks needing to swim constantly in order to breathe) and ocean conservation, two more things that I hope to instill in my daughter.
3. The art is also really nice, and captures the imagination of someone fascinated by the ocean.
4. After the story, it includes shark “bites” (facts) and an illustrated timeline of Clark’s life. These and the illustrations of marine animals on the endsheets all provide additional information for interested minds who can read independently (my daughter didn't want me to read these pages).
Apparently my daughter really liked it too, because she requested I read it again tonight!
August 9, 2022
This is a children's book that I would love to read my kiddos. I find sharks fascinating, and the illustrations are beautiful. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer (because I really enjoyed it)... but I do understand it's a picture book for the youngest age of kids.
Eugenie Clark was quite the Scientist! She was the 1st in the world to train sharks. Throughout her training, she learned that they could remember their training for at least 2 months. They weren't just mindless killers as most people thought, but they were actually very smart. I particularly enjoyed the section of facts at the end titled "Shark Bites".
Eugenie Clark was quite the Scientist! She was the 1st in the world to train sharks. Throughout her training, she learned that they could remember their training for at least 2 months. They weren't just mindless killers as most people thought, but they were actually very smart. I particularly enjoyed the section of facts at the end titled "Shark Bites".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 551 reviews