Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America by Melissa Stewart and Becca Stadtlander

 

Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America

By Melissa Stewart

Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Random House Studio

Nonfiction

Hardcover

40 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Summary from the Publisher

Sharks in Kansas? Yes, it’s true! Take a fascinating journey back 85 million years to a time when Kansas was submerged under a vast ocean teeming with incredible prehistoric sharks.

Sharks in Kansas? Seems impossible, right? After all, Kansas is smack dab in the middle of the United States—more than 1,000 miles from the closest ocean. But the world hasn’t always looked the way it does today.

Once upon a time, 85 million years ago, the middle of America was submerged in water–and incredible creatures roamed the sea. On a typical afternoon, a small herd of Claosaurus munches on plants along the shoreline. Above them, a Pteranodon glides across the sky in search of fish… when, suddenly, a Squalicorax grabs a young dinosaur with its bone-crunching bite. Chomp!

From the flightless bird Hesperonis to the mighty Tylosaurus, here is a fascinating look at many kids’ favorite creatures and the mysteries of an ancient ocean.

My Thoughts

Melissa Stewart's books are always engaging, unique, and jam-packed with information. Sharks in Kansas is no different. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into what our world looked like 85 million years ago, and how scientists have come to understand the creatures that once inhabited many parts of what is now the US. 

Stewart tells the story of the prehistoric creatures and includes sidebars that contain specific facts about them. She incorporates descriptive and content-specific vocabulary that shows a respect for young readers. 

Becca Stadtlander's illustrations help readers see what the creatures looked like. While maps, diagrams, and cross-sections show changes in the Earth over time, and how it is possible to find evidence of prehistoric ocean creatures in the middle of the US. 

Kids love sharks and all things prehistory, and they will love this book. I can't wait to share it with my students. 

Shark Week starts July 6! 

See What Others Have to Say About This Book:

“A solid, well-illustrated introduction to prehistoric North America.” —Kirkus Reviews
“It’s a smartly structured deep dive that brings a long-gone water body vividly into the modern age.” —Publishers Weekly
“An inviting plunge into the deep past.” —Booklist

Info About The Creators:

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 rain forests 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.