Sharks!

Take a bite out of these great shark books!

Shark vs. Train
by Chris Barton; illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Just before the title page of this hilarious book, two boys are shown scrambling in a toy box for their favorite playthings. One pulls out a shark, the other chooses a train, and the contest is on: which of the two toys will win in a head-to-head competition? Of course, the answer depends on the type of competition (Shark aces the high-dive, but Train has the upper hand…er, smokestack…in roasting marshmallows) and the terrain on which it’s held (Train doesn’t function so well in the ocean). Bubbling over with bravado and wacky, over-the-top scenarios, Shark vs. Train will delight fans of funny, action-packed reads such as Mini Grey’s Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog or Lisa Wheeler’s Dino-Hockey.

Clark the Shark
by Bruce Hale; illustrated by Guy Francis
As a shark, Clark is the biggest fish at school, with an attitude to match. He means well, but Clark is so rambunctious — he plays roughly, eats other students’ lunches, and forgets to use his inside voice — that he scares away his friends. His teacher advises him to “stay cool,” and though it takes lots of hard work and some handy rhymes (“only munch your own lunch”), Clark is able to chill out and make amends. Kids who enjoy lively, bright-hued art and identify with Clark’s excessive enthusiasm may also appreciate Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen’s Tyrannosaurus Wrecks!

The Shark King
by R. Kikuo Johnson
With a winning combination of sharks, magic, and superpowers, this graphic novel version of a traditional Hawaiian folktale is sure to hook beginning readers. The story focuses on Nanaue, son of the shape-shifting shark god Kamohoalii. Raised by his human mother and marked with a shark’s mouth growing out of his back, Nanaue has an endless appetite for both food and mischief. But he can’t stop wondering where he belongs: on the land, or in the sea? Bold, energetic artwork and a vivid Hawaiian setting bring this engaging tale to life. Complex enough for strong beginning readers, The Shark King may also tempt hesitant readers who want to try something new.