Great White Shark Vs. Megalodon (Beastly Battles)

Great White Shark Vs. Megalodon (Beastly Battles)

It’s a battle between two terrifying, tooth-filled predators! The great white shark is today’s largest predatory fish. But millions of years ago, megalodon ruled the seas as the ocean’s deadliest hunter. Learn what makes these similar monsters of the sea so deadly. Then decide which one would triumph if they battled in the ocean’s depths. In a fun twist in the animal battles field, this set pits a modern-day creature against a prehistoric beast that shares some similar traits. Short two-page chapters compare key features of each animal. Siberian ­Tiger vs. Saber-Tooth Cat, for instance, looks at size, teeth, claws, and hunting methods. The use of past tense for the prehistoric creatures helps readers navigate the alternating presentations. Photos and illustrations highlight the text effectively: a close-up photo shows the rhinoceros's thick skin, for example, while a captioned drawing notes the triceratops' frill and scales (Rhinoceros vs. Triceratops). Final spreads set up the battle, though no winner is revealed. Readers are asked to speculate, aided by a table ­providing direct comparisons between the two animals. The last spread includes large images of the battlers on facing pages, but nothing shows them actually interacting. VERDICT The prehistoric element should appeal to animal battle fans.--Steven Engelfried, formerly at Wilsonville Public Library, OR "School Library Journal" Charles C. Hofer is a biologist, photographer, and writer living in southern Arizona. He's a regular contributor to several award-winning magazines for young people, including Muse and Ask. Visit his website at www.charleschofer.com.