The Power of Wonder: Why Shark Week Still Thrills Us

This summer marked the 50th anniversary of the movie JAWS — the 1975 blockbuster that forever changed how many of us felt about the ocean. I was a young child when I first saw it, and like so many others, I walked out of the theater with a brand new fear: sharks. Even today, all these years later, I can’t swim in deep ocean water without thinking about what might be lurking below. And yet, despite the fear it sparked, my fascination with sharks has never left me.

In fact, every year I look forward to Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. What began as a curiosity — and yes, a bit of fear — has grown into genuine fascination and respect. Sharks are incredible animals, vital to the health of our oceans. The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve realized how misunderstood and threatened they are.

One of my most unforgettable experiences was snorkeling in a cage off the coast of Oahu with my family. Surrounded by swirling fins and crystal-clear blue water, I saw sharks up close for the first time. It was terrifying, thrilling, and completely unforgettable — and it helped me see them in a new light.

I believe that introducing children to sharks through books is one of the best ways to replace fear with understanding. Wonder leads to empathy, and empathy leads to protection. Let’s give the next generation the tools to help our oceans — and the sharks who call them home — thrive.

Warmly,

~Wendy