What If You Could Sniff Like a Shark? (What if you had...?)

PreS-Gr 3—Markle and McWilliam have produced some interesting "What If You Had...?" titles involving hair, teeth, feet, and noses. This next book in the series describes the "superpowers" of ocean animals. Nine animals and their unique adaptations are spotlighted. Scenarios depict the awesome abilities readers would have if an animal's characteristics were adapted to a human body. A cartoon kid demonstrates each adaptation, such as a child using crab claws to snap through tin or a puffed-up child floating in a parade to illustrate how large a pufferfish can expand. A brief paragraph discusses the animal; a photograph is placed next to the cartoon drawing for comparison. A world map indicating where the creature lives is featured. There are also "What you should know" fact boxes and additional details about the animals. End pages provide information on the four ocean zones. VERDICT Kids will get a kick out of this great mix of illustrations and animal facts. Libraries that have the previous titles in their collection should add this one to the set. Consider purchasing the entire series so readers can peruse all the "What If You Had...?" books.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for What If You Had Animal Teeth?: Though perhaps not the best choice for the nightmare-prone, this will surely satisfy animal enthusiasts and trivia lovers, and dentists and parents will appreciate the mention of ways to keep human chompers healthy. — BooklistIt's a hilarious and instructive combination that makes it clear just how variable and individually suited this aspect of anatomy is, and the art takes the concept and runs — well, chomps — with it. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksDelightful illustrations and factual presentations of animals make this a valuable purchase for early elementary classrooms and libraries. — Library Media ConnectionThe lively text, photographs, and quirky illustrations charmingly tell a great tooth story. — International Reading Association