Clark the Shark

May 27, 2013
Clark’s intentions are good, but his voracious enthusiasm for school (where he’s the only shark pupil among smaller sea creatures) results in some awkward moments. “Munch your own lunch,” says his best friend, Joey Mackerel. “You are playing rough, Clark!” complain the other kids at recess. When Clark’s teacher gives him some advice—“Stay cool”—he turns it into a personal mantra, coming up with rhymes for occasions when good behavior is needed (“When teacher’s talking, don’t go walking”). Francis’s bubbly illustrations of overeager Clark and his friends create a lively undersea environment, and similarly rowdy kids may find Clark’s rhyming technique a useful tool. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Shannon Associates.

June 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 2-Clark loves everything about his life at Theodore Roosterfish Elementary, but his supersize enthusiasm is hard for the other fish to handle. Besides being the biggest and strongest, he is also too loud during reading time, too hungry during lunch, and too rough during recess. Even his best friend, Joey Mackerel, says, "Cool your jets, Clark! You're making me crazy!" When no one wants to sit with him, eat with him, or play with him, he goes to his teacher for help. Mrs. Inkydink reminds him that the rule is to stay cool, which rhymes. By turning rules into rhymes, Clark tones down his behavior just in time to help Sid the Squid, an oversize new student with some of the same problems. This undersea school in the hulk of a sunken ship features an assortment of sea creatures learning important lessons from their octopus teacher. Clark is never a bully, just a big kid with boisterous behavior issues, which is an important distinction in these bully-conscious times. The full-color artwork in a cartoon style is pleasant and fun.-Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2013
Clark's enthusiasm for school, while admirable, is a little too much for his classmates. On its own, Clark's zeal wouldn't be so bad, but he is the largest and strongest student at his school, so his actions are more than a little intimidating to his smaller friends. He goes too fast during games of spinna-ma-jig, eats other kids' lunches and cannot seem to use an indoor voice. Eventually, his classmates stop playing, eating and sitting with him. His teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, helps him figure out what's wrong, but her advice to "stay cool" doesn't sink in--until Clark starts making rhymes to help himself remember. "Only munch your own lunch." "Easy does it, that's the way. Then my friends will let me play." His plan works, and everyone appreciates the new, improved, subdued Clark--especially the large new kid, who needs some help of his own. Francis' watercolor illustrations give Clark a rather goofy and endearing personality that is somewhat offset by the fact that he towers over his classmates. He manages to convey the emotions of the fish mainly with eye and mouth positions, and their nervousness around Clark is obvious. Most especially, enthusiastic kids will appreciate the message that there is a time and a place for everything--they needn't stay cool 'round the clock. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2014
Clark loves school so much he can barely contain his excitement, but a shark his size spinning out of control intimidates the other fish, so he has trouble fitting in. With the help of his teacher, Clark slowly learns how to "stay cool" when it counts. Overlooking the precious rhymes and overt lesson, Francis skillfully captures the heart of Clark's exuberance (and his classmates' wide-eyed trepidation).

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

April 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-This Level 2 beginning reader book stresses the importance of listening to your friends. Clark the Shark and Joey the Mackerel are best friends, but when Clark becomes excited about winning a drawing contest, he doesn't notice that his friend is in no mood to help. They end up quarreling, and Joey tells Clark to go away. Clark has no clue what is bothering Joey, until Amanda Eelwiggle informs him that Joey's pet catfish died. Amanda challenges Clark to really think about what it means to be a friend. Her exhortations initially boggle Clark's mind, but eventually Clark creates a rhyme to help him remember all the essential steps: "Listen closely, treat them kind, be there for them, rain or shine. Stick with them until the end, that's the way to be a friend!" Clark realizes in a flash that he should make a sympathy card for his friend. Joey loves the card, and the two friends are able to work together and win the contest. The text is appropriate for beginning readers, and the illustrations are fun, with the anthropomorphic creatures and the blending of sea details, such as corals and sponges growing in what appear to be garden beds, with ordinary human details like houses and clothes that are only found above the ocean. VERDICT A recommended story that helps young readers learn how to be a good friend.-Sally James

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.