Sharks Unhooked
The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger
by Patricia Newman
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Pub Date Apr 01 2025 | Archive Date Mar 31 2025
Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press ™
Talking about this book? Use #SharksUnhooked #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
Some people are scared of sharks. Not Cristina Zenato.
As a little girl, Cristina dreamed of making friends with the sharks deep in the ocean. When she grew up, she made those dreams come true, becoming a diver, conservationist, and shark advocate. But Cristina discovered that sharks—the sleek, strong, powerful guardians of the ocean—need our help. She started diving in a protective suit and, as she built trust with sharks, they began coming to her with fishing hooks stuck in their bodies. Did she have the courage to remove the hooks?
Sharks Unhooked is the true story of how one woman is exploring the ocean, helping our ecosystem, and forming incredible bonds with animals beneath the rolling surf.
Advance Praise
"Through Newman's sparkling, alliterative verse, a portrait of Cristina emerges—a dreamy wonderer who felt out of place growing up yet found a sense of belonging beneath the waves. Hall's delightful cartoon illustrations avoid anthropomorphism as they depict a more vulnerable side of sharks. Above all, readers will emerge with a strong grasp of sharks' crucial role in ecosystems. A conservation tale that's sure to hook readers."—Kirkus Reviews
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9798765627235 |
PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

Spreading Shark awareness
Sharks hold such a special place for me and it was so refreshing to this book was championed by a female author centering on a female main character +sharks. Way to break so many gender stereotypes.
Cristina’s character really demonstrates caring for wildlife and the importance making conscious choices on land to protect the ocean and its animals.
The illustrations capture the serenity and beauty of the ocean’s ecosystem.
This book will completely capture the hearts of 5-10 years everywhere.
This will inspire new fans of sharks and ocean passions instantly.
This story will complement a home library or school setting wonderfully. It delivers a strong message to children about several topics that intersect with one another.
I received a copy of this book from Patricia Newman. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

I received this book from Net Galley as an ARC to review!
Sharks Unhooked is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about Christina Zenato and her relationship with sharks and the ocean. Ever since Christina was a young girl, she always knew she had a bond with the ocean and its creatures. After discovering a special connection with sharks, Christina makes it her life’s work to help rescue sharks that have been injured.
In addition to the story of Christina, the book includes resources on how to be more shark and ocean friendly and other interesting resources on sharks.
I read this with two 6 year olds both of which agreed the book deserves a 5 star rating for its message and illustrations. We loved this book and send special thanks to Patricia Newman, Millbook Press, and NetGalley.
Look out for this book starting April 1st!

This is the true story of @cristinazenato from Italy who was driven even as a young girl to care for the particular dangerous fish known as sharks and developed a very personal way to remove the danger known as fishhooks from them. Her work goes on to teach us all the need to aid this large predator which is important in balancing the food web.
The illustrations by Becca Hall are imaginative, delightfully colorful, and FUN!
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age from 5 and up, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley on NetGalley Reader from Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Pub Date Apr 01, 2025
#SharksUnhooked by @patricianewmanbooks and @beccahallillustration @lernerbooks #MillbrookPress ™ #NetGalley #childrensbookillustration #childrensbook #picturebooks #kidlitart #kidlit #digitalart #drawingsforkids #Illustrated @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @childrensbookcouncil #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #booksforkids #kidsbookstagram #picturebook #childrensliterature #kidsreads #readaloud #education
#CristinaZenatoUnderwaterRanger #sharks #Italy #bahamas #balancingthefoodweb #protectthesharks #pownonprofit

A truly fun and remarkable story about a woman who made a dream of befriending sharks come true. If you have kids that love sharks, the ocean and the animals that live in the ocean, you’ll definitely want to pick this up for them. It’s a great, easy to read, biography of Cristina Zenato’s mission.
I graciously received and advance e-copy of this book from the publisher on Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!
This book follows a young girl as she learns to love the sea and sharks. When she is older, she learns to scuba dive and she starts saving sharks that are injured.
What a cute book! As a fellow shark lover, I thought this story was great. Cristina was a great character and it was a lot of fun to read about her adventures. I love how she saved sharks.
I think kids will really enjoy this one. I also loved the pictures in this one.
One little note that I have, I am unsure if it was because I read this one on a computer or what but the white font was a bit hard to read at some parts. I would maybe suggest changing the font color if possible. However, in print that might not even be an issue.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one excellent book!
Read this book to take a journey with Cristina Zento as she discovers her love for sharks and helps save sharks in the ocean.
This is a true and inspiring story!
The illustrations are what drew me to this book but I stayed for the interesting story.
I loved children’s books where the adult reading the story learns something new as well.
I also feel it is important to showcase children’s books on females in the science field. It also breaks down the stigma people may have of sharks being scary/our enemies.
This book will have a big impact for the minds of children and adults alike.
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