Jess Cramp didn’t grow up near the ocean, but she visited a few times as a kid. In college, she learned how to surf and was soon hooked on all things aquatic.
She later dove into marine biology, moving to the Cook Islands to help establish a 772,000-square-mile shark sanctuary almost three times the size of Texas. She also founded Sharks Pacific, a nonprofit dedicated to studying and protecting sharks in the South Pacific Ocean.
“This work isn’t just about tagging sharks,” she says. “It’s about understanding culture, finding ways to connect with people of different backgrounds, communicating, inspiring, being resilient.”
Helping people better understand our world has been National Geographic’s mission since its inception more than a century ago. And National Geographic Explorers, like Cramp, are dedicated to pursuing that mission. That’s exactly why Cramp got involved with National Geographic Kids’ latest almanac.
Discovering our world
The Nat Geo Kids Almanac 2027 is full of fascinating facts about our world, from profiles on every country to discoveries about animals to details about the night sky featuring the latest images from the James Webb Space Telescope.
New this year is a chapter on art and creativity, which can help young readers see things from different perspectives. That can apply to understanding what different skills you need for future careers. For instance, Cramp says that many surprising skills are needed as a shark researcher.
“I spend time on boats, but I also write a lot, I code, I give talks, I build and clean a lot of gear, I deal with bait,” Cramp says. “I need skills in boating, expedition planning, computer programming, budgeting, talking with diverse community groups, managing teams. My job is always changing, but it’s what I love.”
Those skills also helped her develop relationships with people in the Pacific Islands.
“I’ve lived in the Pacific Islands for 15 years, and it feels good for people to share inside information with me that they wouldn’t share with folks who live overseas,” she says.
Those relationships are critical for gaining conservation support on the local level. For example, one of Shark Pacific’s current campaigns is finding critical habitats for the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark. By building local and global networks, the organization can help advocate for safeguarding these animals.
“National Geographic has given me a home to explore and discover sharks,” Cramp says. “It’s connected me to explorers who have become dear friends and with collaborators who have incredible skill sets and ideas that I don’t!”
All about sharks
Cramp‘s work inspired the JAW-some Shark Lab sweepstakes for this year’s Almanac 2027 Challenge. The challenge encourages readers to learn about sharks and their unique adaptations, like the thresher’s whip-like tail or some sharks’ bioluminescence.
Kids can draw their own shark, describing what makes their animal special. Parents can enter their child’s shark for a chance to win prizes, including books and a $250 gift card.
Also available on the entry website are downloadable resources, such as trivia pages that help enhance learning.
The Nat Geo Kids Almanac 2027 ($17.99 for paperback, $27.99 for hardcover) is available at major book retailers or online. It’s an essential book for curious, conservation-minded kids. The fully updated book features homework help, expert photography and interviews with National Geographic Explorers.
By opening the door to the world, the almanac can help prepare young readers for a lifetime of learning and exploration.
You can check out some excerpts from the almanac below.
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