by Alison Murray (Author)
A humorous yet touching retelling of The Lion and the Mouse that reminds young readers of the importance of friendship.
Sharky McShark is the meanest, most fearsome creature in the ocean. When she's around, the clownfish clear out, the flatfish flee, and even the rocks get out of her way. As the biggest bully in the sea, Sharky doesn't think she needs friends. But then one day--with a plink! plank! plonk!--a tiny crab tumbles into her world and proves that everyone, even the scariest underwater bully, needs a friend. This fun-filled undersea story, based on Aesop's classic fable, explores bullying, friendship, and the true meaning of courage.
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Both playful and poignant, this fable gently reminds readers that everybody could use a little help.
K-Gr 2--Following along the lines of Aesop's story about the lion and mouse, this tale features a big blue and white shark who is the bully of the sea. With no friends and claiming that she never needed any, Sharky goes about scaring everyone away until the day when a tiny crab accidentally bumps into her. The crab begs for mercy, and reminds Sharky that one day he might return the favor. Sharky obliges and the book finishes with a predictable save and a friendship formed at the end. Brightly colored illustrations will entice younger readers and also give them a fresh glimpse of friends made in unlikely places and faces. VERDICT A reasonable purchase for libraries needing additional anti-bullying books for younger readers.--Tracy Cronce, Stevens Point P.S.D., WI
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Alison Murray is the author-illustrator of many picture books including, but not limited to, Dino Duckling, Sharky McShark, Apple Pie ABC, and Hare and Tortoise. Her work has been shortlisted twice for the Scottish Children's Book Awards. She now lives with her family in Glasgow, Scotland.