Stingrays! Underwater Fliers (Step into Reading) by Carole Gerber

by Carole Gerber

Did you know that stingrays are cousins of sharks? This Step 3 Step into Reading Science Reader is full of exciting photographs, illustrations, and facts about these magnificent sea creatures. Follow a stingray as she chomps her prey, escapes a hungry hammerhead shark, and gives birth to her stingray pups! Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters and easy-to-follow plots about popular topics, and are for children who are ready to read on their own.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Animals, Picture Books

Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

Reviews

[Trudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very informative and interesting. I'm fascinated by the ocean and it's inhabitants. I did not know that sharks and whales eat stingrays. This review is based on an ARC I received from the publisher. Highly recommending!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text is easy but not over simplified, perfect for the target age and group of readers. Good information and pictures. Will recommend for library purchase.

[Nolan Brendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like it as much because it was kind of short.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

High interest reader, with realistic colour illustrations and some photos. Up to six sentences per page in a big font, with some difficult words like "cartilage" and "Sarasota".

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Step into Reading Science Reader explores the topic of stingrays with information presented to new readers who may be moving into books that they can read on their own. The first part of the book follows a southern stingray as she eats, encounters a hammerhead shark, and hatches her pups. The second half covers more information like what happens when humans are stung with barbs, the many different species of rays, and why scientists are studying the amazing healing ability of these ancient creatures. The text is overlaid on both photographs and color illustrations that demonstrate the message of the text which will help new readers with recall and comprehension.

I would recommend this book for purchase to any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intended for early readers gaining fluency with text, this nonfiction text provides basic introductory material about stingrays, their predators, and how they give birth. Since the text is accompanied by lots of large, colorful illustrations, readers have the chance to see the stingrays up close as well as learn about the barbs with which they can sting others. Although the author suggests caution around these interesting creatures, she doesn't blame the stingrays for lashing out to protect themselves when someone steps on them as they lie buried beneath the sand. Still, some of this information is enough to keep someone from diving headfirst into the ocean.

[Kate McGinty aka Caryn Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction early reader gives facts about stingrays in an engaging, uncomplicated way. A mixture of photographs and illustrations complement the text well. This would be a helpful resource for student research projects, or a good leveled reader for middle-elementary nonfiction lovers. Although it's not particularly graphic, very young children may find the scene where the hammerhead eats the stingray and the one where a stingray stings a swimmer a little scary.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love these Step Into Reading non-fiction picture books. They are so packed full of information yet delivered in a dynamic way that kids will enjoy and remember. I was surprised at the numerous varieties of this unique animal found in all the world’s oceans.

[Lezlie Stegall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love science books.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know there were many different kinds, or that sharks love to eat 'em.