Perfect Picture Book Friday-Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever–or Snack Time?

Posted on by Penny Parker Klostermann

Whale shello there! I have some fangs to talk about. Yep! I want to share a few nuggets about a swimmingly spectacular book that will elicit oceans of excitement from any school of kid listeners or readers. I won’t bait you any further, as I’m shore you can’t wait to sea what I’m bubbling about. Yes…it’s

nugget and fangNugget & Fang

Written by Tammi Sauer

Illustrated by Michael Slack

Harcourt Children’s Books 2013

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Friendship, Fish, Oceans

Synopsis: (from Goodreads) In the deep ocean, tiny Nugget and big, toothy Fang get along swimmingly—until Nugget’s first day of minnow school. There Nugget learns that minnows are supposed to be afraid of sharks! To regain Nugget’s trust, Fang takes desperate (and hilarious) measures. But it’s not until his big sharp teeth save the entire school that minnows learn this shark is no foe. Fantastically stylized artwork adds even more humor to this undersea story of unlikely friendship.

Opening: In the deep, deep ocean lived two best friends.
Nugget and Fang.
They did everything together.
They swam over.
GLUG
They swam under.
GLUG-GLUG
They swam all around.
GLUG-GLUG-GLUG
Life was close to perfect . . .
until it was time for Nugget to go to school.

Resources: HERE is a downloadable reading guide that includes discussion questions for read aloud, and teaching ideas for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

Why I Like This Book: Last week, I read this book to a class of kindergartners.  They were hooked on every word and turn page. They pointed out their favorite parts of the illustrations. They laughed at the clever word play and at Fang’s attempts to convince Nugget that a shark and a minnow really could be friends. When I read the ending and closed the book, I could tell that they would’ve happily listened to it again. That pretty much sums up why I like this book! I am just like the kindergartners. Well, there is one difference…they headed off to physical education class with toothy grins…and me? Well, I let my mind float away with a minnow and a shark as I read Nugget and Fang one more time 🙂

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.

38 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday-Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever–or Snack Time?”

  1. Pingback: Best Picture Books of 2013 | Flowering Minds

    1. Thanks for stopping by, Tammi! I think your books are fantastic! That’s why I’ve reviewed so many of them! Well, that and the fact that I met you at a conference a couple of years ago and consider you an inspiration to my writing journey :•)

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    1. It is a fun and funny group! I have found more wonderful picture books by participating in Perfect Picture Book Friday than I could have ever discovered on my own.

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  7. (Hmmm…I commented earlier but don’t see it here.) I just came back to get the author’s name for my library list. Anyway – I said before you always make me smile, Penny. Fangs a lot!!!

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  10. Hahaha, I have been waiting for someone to review this for PPBF – I love Tammi’s humour! I love the tattoo!

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  12. Just read this book and absolutely LOVED it. I loved how the creative illustrations for Reading, Science, Math which played into the story. My 7yr old who thinks PBs are too babyish for her and has become very picky about which PB she will read, actually read this one. Her favorite spread was when the shark dresses up as a mermaid.

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  13. Loved your clever introduction, Penny! This looks like a good book to examine when considering what makes an engaging PB that will sell. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. You are exactly right, Jarm. I have studied Tammi’s books! She spoke at the first SCBWI conference I ever attended in the Fall of 2011. She was great! I even got to sit at her table for a meal. I kept thinking, “I am sitting with a regular, warm, friendly person who has published delightful picture books.” It was very encouraging and inspiring to me to keep at it!

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    1. Thanks, Pat! And I have read it several more times! The illustrations are gorgeous. It never ceases to amaze me how the text and words work together to make picture books so magical!

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  18. I’m “Sauer” glad that Tammi wrote this cute book. And Michael didn’t “Slack” off on the marvelous, punny illustrations! A true winner both above and below sea level. Great PPBF choice Penny!

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