Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger

by Patricia Newman, Becca Hall (illustrator)

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.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nature, Nonfiction, Childrens, Animals, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Writing for children is the hardest thing I’ve ever done—the field is intensely competitive. But I write because I can’t imagine not writing. I write for myself and for the kids who read my work. I write for the joy of seeing a kid sitting in the front row at a school visit, hand stretched high to answer my questions. I write for the kid who tells me he already owns one of my books and has read it 15 times.

Reviews

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I read this free on NetGalley in exchange for a review but my words are my own!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Patricia Newman’s Sharks Unhooked is a luminous, ocean-deep tribute to conservationist Cristina Zenato—a woman whose empathy and courage have transformed the way we see one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Aimed at readers ages 5–9, this picture book blends lyrical storytelling, vibrant illustration, and ecological insight to create a compelling portrait of a real-life underwater heroine.

Newman opens with a haunting image: a shark caught on a fishing hook, its pain palpable. But the story quickly pivots to hope, introducing Cristina Zenato, a diver who not only befriends sharks but also removes hooks from their bodies—one by one, building trust and healing wounds. The narrative traces Zenato’s journey from her childhood in Zaire and summers in Italy to her adult life in the Bahamas, where she finds her calling beneath the waves.

Thematically, the book is rich with emotional resonance. Cristina’s story is one of belonging, bravery, and advocacy. Newman’s alliterative verse paints her as a “dreamy wonderer” who finds solace and purpose in the ocean. The message is clear: even the fiercest creatures deserve compassion, and even the smallest actions—like removing a hook—can ripple outward in powerful ways.

Becca Hall’s illustrations are a standout. Her cartoon-style art avoids anthropomorphism, instead portraying sharks with nuance and vulnerability. The underwater scenes shimmer with oceanic blues and greens, contrasting beautifully with the gray of the sharks and the bright hues of Zenato’s gear. These visuals not only captivate young readers but also reinforce the book’s ecological message.

While not a comprehensive biography or scientific deep dive, Sharks Unhooked excels as an entry point into marine conservation. The back matter includes notes from Cristina herself, facts about sharks’ role in ecosystems, and suggestions for how readers can help. It’s a gentle but persuasive call to action, perfect for sparking curiosity in budding environmentalists.

For young readers—and the adults who read with them—Sharks Unhooked offers more than just a story. It’s a gateway to empathy, environmental stewardship, and the realization that heroes don’t always wear capes; sometimes, they wear wetsuits. Newman and Hall have crafted a tale that’s both informative and inspiring, rehabilitating sharks’ reputation while celebrating the quiet power of one woman’s mission.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Newman, prolific nonfiction writer for children, brings readers in grades 2-4 a lyrical look at shark ranger-researcher-rescuer Cristina Zenato. Living in both Africa and Italy by the sea, Cristina grew up with an appreciation for wildlife of all sorts but felt drawn to ocean life first and foremost. In the Bahamas after college, she discovered the amazing world of scuba-diving and made the Bahamas her home and began to study the powerful, silent sharks and all their different personalities, behaviors and preferences. While studying, she fought for laws to protect sharks and used the hooks she frequently removed from the sharks who were beginning to trust her to take care of them in order to teach a wide variety of listeners how to protect these apex predators who are key to a balanced ocean ecosystem.

Cristina’s life provides a model for children that childhood dreams can become reality and give them a vision of positively impacting our world. Illustrations are not the photographs usually featured in Newman’s work, but Becca Hall’s digitally rendered artwork is realistic, clearly keeps the focus on sharks and the extra details provide ample opportunity for extending the conversation and helping caregivers develop vocabulary in their children. Back matter photographs of sharks, description of sharks place in a balanced ecosystem, ways to protect sharks, a note from Cristina as well as source notes and suggested reading for those interested in sharks.

Highly recommended for libraries serving grades 2-4.

Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Books/Millbrook Press.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHARKS UNHOOKED: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger is a fun and informational picture book perfect for curious minds of all ages!

Cristina Zenato had dreamed of being an underwater ranger since she was a little girl. She loved diving, exploring the waters off the coast of Italy, and making friends with all sorts of sea creatures.
Cristina wanted to learn to scuba dive and swim with sharks, but her papa felt it was too dangerous.

After college, she moved to the Bahamas and became an expert diver. ‘Cristina and the sharks danced together-underwater rangers protecting the deep blue.’

Cristina Zenato made it her lifetime goal to help and explore sharks, educate others about them, and promote their conservation. She has removed more than 300 hooks from her shark friends, alleviating their pain.

The illustrations by Becca Hall are soft, engaging, and delightful. I love this inspiring, true story and am HOOKED!

[Melanie Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely hooks in readers! We learn about the adventurous, compassionate life of Cristina Zenato, who dives in the Bahamas and removes fishing hooks from sharks. Given how hard (and scary!) I find it to cut my dog’s nails, I am in awe of a woman who can earn sharks’ trust and who dares to remove hooks – even once reaching into a shark’s mouth to extract a hook! Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by Cristina’s story and encouraged to pursue their own dreams, even those dreams that are considered too wild to be possible. SHARKS UNHOOKED has exciting page turns, colorful and impactful illustrations, and an important message about shark and ocean conservation. The backmatter has more information, including a link to Cristina’s YouTube channel where readers will delight in watching her swim with sharks. Hopefully this book helps change negative attitudes about sharks into curiosity and compassion; as Cristina says, “There are no monsters in the sea.”

[Kourtnee Blow · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this children's book about Underwater Ranger, Cristina Zenato, from Italy who followed her dream and now works with sharks in the Caribbean Ocean.

We learn about Cristina Zenato, her childhood dreams, her journey to scuba diving, and how she gained the trust of sharks. Sharks began coming to her and letting her remove hooks that had become embedded into their skin or mouth. The illustrations are wonderful.

We learn a bit about sharks, how they are important to underwater ecosystems, that there are many different kinds, and how they accidentally get caught up in fishing nets and caught on hooks.

The book has so many other things you can do lessons on. Great adjective use. Fun and creative verb use. Excellent descriptions. Sprinklings of onomatopoeia. There are links to videos and places to go for more information.

Loved!

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute win for kids who love sharks, the ocean, or real-life adventure stories. The writing pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re right there in the ocean with Cristina Zenato as she builds trust with sharks and helps them in ways most people wouldn’t even imagine. It’s exciting, inspiring, and can teach kids about conservation without feeling like a lesson. The illustrations are beautiful and really bring the ocean to life. This is the kind of book that will makes kids curious and get them talking—about sharks, the environment, and probably excitement for their next chance to dive into the ocean. Perfect for kids who love nonfiction, animal stories, or just something a little different from the usual picture book. Highly recommend!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! I didn't know about Cristina and her work with sharks before reading this book, and I found it all very interesting! I know for certain that young readers will feel the same way, and many of them will also walk away from this book feeling inspired and hopeful. The way the book accentuates Cristina's determination and passion is infectious, and written in a perfect way. Every high and low is conveyed flawlessly, and in an age-appropriate way that will make an impact on readers but not overwhelm them. The illustrations impressively demonstrated the beauty of the ocean and the personality of "slightly tamed" sharks. I have nothing bad to say about this book, and this story will no doubt touch readers everywhere. Bravo!

[Ann Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Here’s a story about Christina Zenato and her appreciation of the ocean, especially sharks. From an early age she came to see these creatures not as monsters but as vital contributors to the underwater world. She learned how they play a role as ocean guardians, balancing the food web. But there was a problem. So many sharks were getting hooked by fishermen’s nets. While they might get away, hooks often became imbedded in their bodies and caused problems. Christina decided to remove as many of these hooks as she could—the backmatter says that she has removed over 300 of them. With gorgeous illustrations and flowing text, this book looks at another side of sharks and reminds us that every creature, even sharks, has a place in this world. A lovely book and an inspiring message!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHARKS UNHOOKED by Patricia Newman with art by Becca Hall introduces readers to Cristina Zenato, whose lifelong fascination with sharks led to her finding a way to protect and rescue sharks facing danger from human behavior. Always interested in animals, but especially in the underwater world, after learning to scuba dive Cristina found she had a special connection with sharks and was able to earn their trust, eventually becoming able to remove fishing hooks from their bodies. With its poetic text and detailed illustrations, SHARKS UNHOOKED provides a unique way to increase reader awareness about conservation and to inspire empathy as demonstrated through the actions of this brave and determined woman.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting off by “hooking” the reader with the suffering of a shark, Patricia Newman has us turning the pages quickly as we read about underwater ranger Cristina Zenato. We learn of Cristina’s bumpy childhood and how a scuba trip after college—where she developed a connection with sharks—brought joy back into Cristina’s life. Most amazingly, the sharks recognized Cristina as a friend and came to her so that she could remove fishing hooks embedded in their bodies. Written in beautiful, lineated text and illustrated in Bahama blues by Becca Hall, Sharks Unhooked is a moving tale of the trust and connection that exists between species.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The inspiring true story of the girl who grew up to SAVE THE SHARKS! Much like the wolf, the shark has been given a bad rap (so often villainized by Hollywood) and endangered by human hooks. But here's a girl who not only wasn't afraid of sharks, but loved them and grew up to protect them and their precious role in the ecosystem. Today she works to gain sharks' trust so that she can get close enough to remove their source of suffering: the painful hooks lodged in their flesh. Cristina Zenato has removed more than three hundred hooks from Caribbean sharks (and counting)! An important true story raising awareness and encouraging empathy.

[Angela]

As the parent of a child who was absolutely obsessed with sharks for several years, I highly recommend this book! Author Patricia Newman shares the story of Cristina Zenato, an underwater explorer who has gained the trust of sharks and has removed hooks from over 300 of these creatures. What I appreciate most about this book is that 1) it conveys how a childhood dream can be realized in adulthood and 2) it looks at sharks, which are commonly seen as terrifying apex predators, from a compassionate lens. A note from both the author and Cristina Zenato are included at the end, along with a list of other shark books for young readers.

[Heather Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will be captivated by this true conservation story about an inspiring woman who followed her passion for the ocean and sharks. Newman’s engaging narrative and Hall’s beautiful illustrations skillfully bring us along on Cristina’s amazing underwater adventures. We not only experience her bravery, but also her deep connection to sharks and the remarkable bonds she creates. I’m a huge shark fan and was delighted to discover that this book also highlights their crucial role in creating a healthy ocean and world. If you don’t already like and appreciate sharks, this will book will certainly make you reconsider.

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start by this book based on the true adventures of Cristina Zenato. Newman shows us how teenage Cristina's interest in the ocean and sharks made her feel different from her friends. But that fascination lead her to learning all she could about sharks, and eventually protecting them, gaining their trust, and bravely rescuing them! Newman has a knack for discovering inspirational, true stories and Sharks Unhooked is just that. I'm certain readers of all ages will be inspired by Cristina's adventures with these guardians of the sea.

[Carol Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharks Unhooked is the fascinating story of an adventurous woman who loved sharks from the time she was a girl and grew up to fulfill her dream of working with, studying, and protecting them. I love that it encourages an appreciation of sharks and the ocean. It’s touching to learn that she forged such a bond with sharks that they come to her to have hooks removed. This book will certainly prompt many readers (including this one) to learn more. It’s an inspiring story that will encourage young readers to follow their own dreams.

[Ann Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHARKS UNHOOKED had me hooked from the first page. Newman uses beautiful, engaging text to lure readers in then allows fascinating facts to unfold. Hall’s illustrations are gentle and detailed, providing generous close-up views of sharks. Kids will be inspired to help sharks and other ocean animals and some will most definitely want to become scuba divers! The back matter includes photos and information about the real-life main character, sharks, hooks, and more! A must have for classrooms and home!

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating story about Cristina Zenato, whose childhood dream of befriending sharks was realized when she became a diver, removing fishing hooks from more than three hundred sharks! Both text and art convey Cristina's love for the ocean and profound respect for its creatures. Back matter provides more information about threats to sharks (who may have multiple hooks stuck in their bodies for years!), actions kids can take to help protect sharks, and a note from Cristina herself. I highly recommend!

[Lindsay Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine scuba diving and having a shark trust you enough to slide into your lap. Then imagine trusting the shark not to bite while you pull a hook from deep inside its throat. That's the story of diver Cristina Zenato, so deftly told by Patricia Newman and illustrated vibrantly by Becca Hall. This is an inspiring story about chasing your dreams, trusting your intuition, and protecting the vulnerable. It's a beautiful tale of conservation and busting stereotypes that everyone with a heart for conservation should read.

[Hope Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger, is an inspiring and important book that illustrates Cristina’s lifelong love for the ocean, her bravery and incredible bond with sharks. One of the amazing scenes is when sharks turn to Cristina for help, because they begin to trust her. Patricia Newman’s lyrical text beautifully paints the inspiring life and dedication of Cristina Zenato who saves sharks from the pain and suffering caused by fishing hooks. Young readers will enjoy everything this wonderful non-fiction offers.

[Kelly Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharks Unhooked is a true story about a young woman who helps injured sharks. The pictures and words are beautiful! I appreciated this story about an unlikely friendship between a human and an animal with a reputation for being dangerous. You’ll want to read this book, if only for the moment when a shark has a hook lodged deep in its throat, and the main character must decide whether to reach into the shark’s mouth and remove it. Yikes!

[Lynn Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of Cristina Zenato, an Italian girl who fell in love with sharks and dedicated her life to studying and helping them. But how could these strong, stealthy hunters need her help? Sharks can get caught on the longlines of fishing boats, and the hooks stay in their bodies, causing pain. A beautiful story of human and shark interaction in the wild ocean and of the patience it takes to build trust. Great back matter with more information about sharks and Cristina Zenato.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! This goes to show how one person can make a difference if they follow their heart and take action. I hadn't heard of Cristina Zenato but, wow, what an amazing life story that will engage and excite kids. Zenato's interactions with the sharks come to life on the page and we root for her to help as many of them as she can while also spreading the word about how this is a serious problem that tends to go unnoticed.

[Julie Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my 4 year old son and he absolutely loved it!! I do think that it is geared for a bit older (maybe 2nd-4th grade sit) but he still really enjoyed it. He was amazed that this was based on a real person, Cristina Zenato. We had so many discussions about how her love of sharks led to her work in the ocean. I was amazed by her as well!

The illustrations were simply amazing too. This is a must read for any shark, or ocean, enthusiast/lover!

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging, kid-friendly nonfiction! I think kids will enjoy learning about Cristina Zenato and how she came to work with sharks. I'm sure the story will inspire future underwater rangers and explorers. And I think the book does a great job raising awareness about the issue of sharks getting injured by fishing hooks. I loved the bright, energetic illustrations by Becca Hall. They really helped make the book even more inviting and fun. Highly recommend!

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 2 out of 5]

#SharksUnhooked #NetGalley

Good Story, Poor Execution.

Lines like "Sadness makes her ill, Illness makes her sad" were jarring as no context was given before or after the line.
The illustrations were fine but the delivery of the message fell flat.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press , via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This tells the story of how Cristina Zenato was really interested in sharks as a kid and grew up to go diving and helping them. She pulls hooks from mouths along with helping sharks when tangled in fishing nets. She loves what she is doing and helping sharks along the way. The illustrations were nice as well.

[Katie Furze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the fascinating true story of Cristina Zenato who removes hooks from the bodies of live sharks – a most inspiring read for budding young naturalists and marine biologists! The illustrations are lovely and complement the text well. The back matter includes further information about sharks and a note from Cristina herself. Highly recommended.