Swimming with the Sharks

I had different favorite animals at different points my life. I remember being smitten with monkeys when I was quite young, pining for a raccoon (after reading Rascal by Sterling North) when I was little older, and in high school I studied crows and ravens for a couple of years and really, really, really wanted a crow! I knew we would be best friends! Seeing a crow that has taken to a human still gives me pangs of jealousy (envy? I can never get those right.) And at one point, I can’t remember how old I was, but I thought having a kangaroo was something a kid could do. Now I seem to be attracting a lot of bunnies. Go figure. 

 

In Curtis Manley’s new book, SHAWN LOVES SHARKS, Shawn, well…loves sharks. He is mad for everything about sharks, their streamlined shape, their big mouths and sharp teeth, and their dark blank eyes.

 

 

When Shawn plays, he plays shark. When he eats, he eats like a shark. When he watches a video or reads a book they are all about sharks. So, it is only natural to think when his teacher tells the class that they are going to study predators, and every student will  learn about a different predator, that Shawn would get the Shark!

Alas, Shawn gets the Leopard Seal. A seal! Can you believe it? Sharks EAT seals for crying out loud!

 

 

And the Great White Shark goes to Stacy. Shawn tries to negotiate a trade with her, he begs her to trade, but Stacy is keeping the shark.

Reluctantly Shawn starts reading about seals and finds there is much to like about seals, too! Their big brown eyes, their soft fur and how they can twist and turn and change directions so quickly.

 

 

As everyone knows, you can’t have a shark and a seal on the same playground without expecting a confrontation. And when prey turns to face predator, can anything good come from it?

SHAWN LOVES SHARKS is a sweet read about appreciating all things ,not just those in your circle. It is about friendship and exploring and learning and sharing. All good things!

 

The illustrations by Tracy Subisak are in a primarily greens, grays, and blues palette and evokes the sea. Her characters are very expressive and convincing. And her peripheral character, the cat in its fish or penguin costume, is to die for.

 

Last Saturday SHAWN LOVES SHARKS won the 2018 Washington State Book Award for picture books. Well deserved and congratulations to Curtis.

 

kevan atteberry

17 Comments:

  1. This is a book I’ll have to look for!

  2. TY, Dev, for sharing this delightful book. So many great themes and kids will relate to not getting their coveted topic to research, too. Gotta get it and read as a mentor text of one of mss.

  3. My son loved sharks too! As a little guy, he could name many different kinds of sharks. He moved on eventually to a love for all animals. He and Shawn could have been great friends. Thanks for telling us about this book.

  4. Very cute! Looks like a great book!

  5. This looks like such an awesome book! I loved animals as a kid too, and at one point, I just could not understand why I couldn’t have a baby elephant as a pet! So unfair! I did eventually get a dog – and as a teen, two horses – but I never did get my elephant. Thanks for your wonderful creativity!

  6. Oh, I have to see this one! Thanks, Kevan!

  7. That playground moment is so perfect!

  8. This looks like a winner – great palette, wonderful illustrations and a entertaining story that so many kids will relate to! I’ll be looking out for this one. Congrats!

  9. Great topic and yes, the illustrations look wonderful. Glad to know about this book!

  10. Can’t wait to see this one!

  11. Given how kids get obsessed with particular creatures (my son’s object of affection was the black widow spider for a time), this book seems spot on. Thanks for sharing, Kevan.

  12. Thanks Kevan. I know several young ones who will live this book!’

  13. Thanks Kevan. I know several young ones who will love this book!’

  14. I’d love to read this book to a class!

  15. A delightful story idea!

  16. I love this idea. I can’t wait to find it.

  17. Thank you Kevan. A book with many conflicts; internal, external. I’ll have to check it out to see how they are resolved.

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