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
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.
Holy mackerel! I love this fang-tastic post. 🙂
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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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Glug,glug, glug…I think I’m hooked too! Great book, Penny…I’ll see if I can get it for my school visits next semester. 🙂
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That would be wonderfun! Hey, I typed that by accident, but I think it’s perfect….wonderful + fun = wonderfun! I think the kids would just love it, Vivian!
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I MUST get this book! I want to dive into the plot! 😉
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I hope you get to read it soon and that it will be a splash!
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ha, I have yet to read this beautiful book. I better get swimming right on over to the library…. thank you for this Penny!
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Yes…swim right over, and you too can let your mind float away with a minnow and a shark 🙂
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This one looks great! But mostly i’m enjoying all the clever comments! This is sure a funny group! I’ll be checking this book out. Thanks
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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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yes indeed!!
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(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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I don’t know what happened, Laura. I checked my spam and you weren’t in there 🙂
I’m glad I make you smile…and it is so nice of you to tell me!
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I saw this over on Tara’s blog and can’t wait to sink my teeth into it.
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It is great! I never thought I would want to hug a shark…but I’m pretty sure I would hug Fang, teeth and all, if I met him!
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Love your intro, Penny 🙂 And this book sounds absolutely delightful! But then, I wouldn’t expect anything less from the fabulous Tammi Sauer 🙂
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Thanks, Susanna. Tammi is fabulous. I always look forward to her next book!
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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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Me too, Joanna! The tatoo is just a genius touch!
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It sounds like it has great read aloud potential! How cute!
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Yes! Great read aloud! The kids just loved it.
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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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Oh, I loved that spread, too! I never thought fish could be so expressive! The things we learn from picture books!
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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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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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Oh what fun! I must read this book at the earliest opportunity! Loved all your puns, too.
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You will love Fang’s toothy grin! And Tammi is the queen of puns!
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Sold. I love your discussion of the book and how you read it just one more time as the kids left the classroom. The illustrations look gorgeous!
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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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Am going to order it for my granddaughter’s upcoming birthday!
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I am now picturing you reading it aloud in that classroom, on your own, and not forgetting to put some character in the voices!
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Oh yes! I love that part of it. The best thing is that kids love it, too, and don’t think my shark voice one bit odd!
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Fangtastic, Penny! I shall order it immediately.
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You won’t be sorry! Your kiddos will love it!
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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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Too funny Cathy.
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Cathy…you are so great with your punny comments! I always look forward to them on my blog and other blogs that we both follow!
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