Sharks in Kansas

Sharks in Kansas

The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America

Hardcover

Grades Preschool – 3
Ages 4–8

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.

"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

"This thoughtfully crafted picture book for young dinosaur enthusiasts is an impressive feat of early elementary nonfiction." —School Library Journal

ISBN 9798217539871 (Audiobook Download)
Published on Oct 20, 2026
Published by Listening Library
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

ISBN 9780593904718 (Hardcover)
Published on Jul 7, 2026
Published by Random House Studio
Pages 40
Dimensions 11 x 9
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

ISBN 9780593904725 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jul 7, 2026
Published by Random House Studio
Pages 40
Dimensions 11 x 9
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

ISBN 9780593904732 (Ebook)
Published on Jul 7, 2026
Published by Random House Studio
Pages 40
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3

Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart has written more than 180 science books for young readers. While gathering information for her books, Melissa has hiked in tropical rain forests, gone on safari in Africa, and swum with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. She can’t imagine any better job! Visit Melissa’s website at www.melissa-stewart.com or track her at twitter.com/mstewartscience.

Becca Stadtlander

Becca Stadtlander is a freelance illustrator and fine artist, inspired by the beauty of everyday objects, the comforts of home, and the lush colors and landscapes of far-off places. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (BFA 2010) and currently lives and works in her hometown of Covington, Kentucky. Her work is featured on stationery, home decor products, editorial publications, and young adult and children’s books.

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