All summer, I’ll be sharing books for kids of all ages on topics that interest them or offer something new to learn about. Most of the time, these will be nonfiction books, but sometimes we can learn from fictional stories too. I believe reading over the summer is so important, and keeping kids interested in reading by finding relevant books about topics that they are interested in is very important. Kids should read at least 20 minutes every day, and I hope that these books offer you ideas to keep your kids reading and learning all summer.
I hope you will stay tuned to these posts. They will always have Summer Read-to-Learn in the title and will be tagged in the post. There will be books on all kinds of topics kids love to read and learn about. Be sure to stop by each week to see what book I’m sharing as part of my Summer Read-to-Learn series.
To see all the books in the Summer Read-to-Learn series, click HERE.
SHARKS IN KANSAS
The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America
By: Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by: Becca Stadtlander
Published: July 7, 2026
Publisher: Random House Studio
Non-Fiction
I’m sharing my Summer Read-to-Learn post a bit early this week since our family is taking our summer vacation. This title immediately piqued my interest as a midwesterner, and I wanted to know how sharks were ever in Kansas. Plus, this is Shark Week, so it’s the perfect time to share this fascinating children’s book.
Over 85 million years ago, North America didn’t look as it does now. A great chunk of the land that is now North America was divided by water. In and around those waters were numerous dinosaurs, reptiles, and…sharks!
Eventually, the land started to rise, and the waters drained away, forcing the creatures to swim north to colder waters or disappear. Even though there are no longer oceans full of sharks in the areas around Kansas, signs still exist of the former waters and creatures that lived there. Rippled sandstone in Colorado, chalky white bluffs in Kansas, and even fossils found in Canada prove that sharks, giant clams, turtles, and mosasaurs did exist.
Take a journey into the past and imagine what Kansas and other Midwestern states like Iowa looked like millions of years ago. This book is great for dinosaur fans because it is full of facts and bullet points about various prehistoric creatures. Science and geology lovers will also enjoy reading about how the landscape changed and all about the layers of the Earth. Amazing illustrations combined with facts and a story will engage readers to want to know more about the history of the Western Interior Seaway.
Melissa Stewart is a leading voice in children’s nonfiction, with more than 200 science books to her name. Her work has been translated into more than a dozen languages and garnered such awards as the Sibert Honor, two Green Earth Book Awards, and four ALA Notables. Her best-known titles include Whale Fall, illustrated by Rob Dunlavey; Tree Hole Homes, illustrated by Amy Hevron; and Feathers: Not Just for Flying, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from Union College and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University, Melissa worked as a children’s book editor for nine years before becoming a full-time writer. While gathering information for her books, she has explored tropical rainforests in Costa Rica, gone on safari in East Africa, and swum with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. She lives in Massachusetts. For more information, including teacher resources, videos, and more, visit melissa-stewart.com.
Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist. In 2019, she won the Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration for Made by Hand: A Crafts Sampler. Picture books she has illustrated include Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards, Sleep Tight, Farm, and On Wings of Words, which received four starred reviews. Her work is also featured in adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers. Check out her website, HERE.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of SHARKS IN KANSAS
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you paying a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Becca Stadtlander, Book Review, Children's books, Melissa Stewart, non-fiction, science, sharks