Clark the Shark
Written by Bruce Hale
Illustrated by Guy Francis
Harper Collins 2013
Ages 4 – 8 years
Themes: Common Childhood Experiences (Adjusting to school), Behavior, Decisions/Making Choices
Synopsis: (from author’s website) Clark is a shark with zing, bang, and BOOM! Clark zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess. Clark loves life—but when his enthusiasm is too much for his friends, Clark’s teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, helps him figure out a way to tone it down.
Opening: In all the wide blue seas, in all the wide blue world, the top school was Theodore Roosterfish Elementary. And of all the fish at Theodore Roosterfish, the biggest and the strongest was Clark the Shark. Clark loved school, and he loved his teacher, Mrs. Inkydink. He love to play upsy-downsy and spinna-ma-jig with his friends. Clark loved his life.
You’re gonna love this trailer.
Resources: HERE are some activities from the author’s website to use with kiddos. HERE is an activity booklet also from the author’s site. HERE is a back to school freebie from Read With Me ABC. She describes the activity and has a link to Teachers Pay Teachers to download the packet.
Why I Like This Book: I like this book because it is so authentic. There are so many kids in school that just love life. They radiate enthusiasm to the point that they drive everyone crazy. Sometimes they’re just too much. Just like Mrs. Inkydink tells Clark, they need to “Stay Cool”. Although Mrs. Inkydink tells Clark that he needs to “Stay Cool”, he has to figure out how to do it himself. He tries several times before he finds a solution. The solution involves rhyming. Anyone who reads my blog knows me well enough to know that if something in a picture book involves good rhyme then, “Hey! I’m all over it!” Clark has become my new favorite character. He has the charm and personality of Splat the Cat which I reviewed back in 2012. (Here’s the link.) Guy Francis‘s illustrations completely capture each personality in this delightful story.
To find more perfect picture books, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and check out all the fantastic selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book -lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.
I added it to my library list before I commented. Clark’s grin had me!
LikeLike
Get your JAWS on it as soon as you can! You will be HOOKED!
LikeLike
Bruce Hale has a way with words. My son is going to love this. I’ll be on the lookout for it. Thanks.
LikeLike
It’s rEELy good! Read it at your first oppor-TUNA-ty 🙂
LikeLike
*clutches sides and groans* Ohhhh… I think I laughed to much, Docter K. I think I bust a gut, it was that funny… 😉
LikeLike
For goodness hake! I sea you are bass-ically hooked on reading this book! (My puns are getting pretty lame 🙂
LikeLike
I do think I will sing bass though (not yet 🙂 )… 😎
LikeLike
Love the cover, and especially loved the trailer. Oh, and just love your comment replies. You are on fish-form today. 🙂
LikeLike
Tanks, Diane! It’s a good one for all little buoys and gills!
LikeLike
I can just imagine Clark’s big personality and overflow of enthusiasm, and you’re right – so many kids have to learn to corral that when they start school. Great idea for a book, and this one sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for adding it to our list, Penny 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! I thought it was a good catch 🙂 A fin-tastic tale!
LikeLike
Ha! I knew if there was a rhyme in the title it would be your pick today! Love the name Inkydink!
LikeLike
I’m glad I hooked you in! Now go troll the library for this book!
LikeLike
It’s my second home, baby!
LikeLike
I’d never heard of this book but I can’t wait to check it out now. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh my cod, Julie! You have to read it 🙂
LikeLike
I am very picky about good rhyme, Penny, so I am always glad to get a recommendation from you.
LikeLike
So you only take the “catch of the day” in rhyme, huh? Me too! I like it fresh and tasteful!
LikeLike
I’m always amazed at how PB authors can combine rhyme with a good story that can relate to kids lives. Thanks for sharing this one, Penny!
LikeLike
Hi Jarm,
Stories like that grab you hook, line, and sinker 🙂
This one only has a little rhyme,but the way he worked it in is so perfect!
LikeLike
Sounds fab!
LikeLike
Thanks for SWIMMING by!
LikeLike
Glug glug :0)
LikeLike
Love the play on names. Sounds like a rollicking book, but one with a great classroom theme. I remember those exhuberant kids.
LikeLike
PERCH on your couch and enjoy this book! I proclaim it ofFISHially great!
LikeLike
Clark’s toothy grin and Mrs. Inkydink’s ribbon had me smiling. The story sounds adorable. I want to get my hands on a copy!
LikeLike
I must have BAITED you well! On a SCALE from one to ten it LANDS a ten!
LikeLike
That Clark looks like one crazy shark! Just yesterday I had the opportunity of playing with a young man just like Clark! Wore my out! I could have used some of ms Inkydinks advice. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Ah! Sounds like your HOOKED on the idea of reading this book 🙂
LikeLike
haha! Indeed!
LikeLike
A solution that involves rhyming? I’m in! Going on my TBR list right away.
LikeLike
Is your TBR list like mine? It’s a WHALE of a list…to in-FIN-ity and beyond!
LikeLike
New meaning to a school of fish! This looks adorable!
LikeLike
I know! Be sure to read it when you get the op-perch-tuna-ty!
LikeLike