A review by pussreboots
The Great Shark Escape by Jennifer Johnston, Joanna Cole

3.0

Ms. Frizzle the vampire promises her class a normal field trip to the local aquarium only to find that it is closed for repairs. What to do? Of course, transform the bus, endanger the students and take them on a deep sea adventure!

The facts presented in this book are almost identical to Cole's older book, Hungry, Hungry Sharks except now they are dressed up in the trappings of The Magic School Bus. I wouldn't have noticed the similarities if I hadn't read the books back to back.

Both books teach about the different types of sharks. Hungry, Hungry Sharks is presented as a straight up reference book aimed at a first grade reading level. The Magic School Bus book presents the same facts as a fantasy adventure. My son likes both books. He can read Hungry, Hungry Sharks without needing much help but prefers to listen to The Magic School Bus: The Great Shark Escape during story time at school.