Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 3, 2017

Review

This I Can Read level 1 beginner reader brings back Clark the Shark and his assorted fishy friends: Benny Blowfish, Ella Jellyfish, and Joey Mackerel just to name a few. Everyone is extremely worried about having to give book reports but Clark is filled with confidence; his report will be the best ever. Teacher Mrs. Inkydink,who is an octopus, urges her students to "be bold, be smart, and speak from the heart." When Clark starts his oral report off with a joke, it seems that all will be well, but he suddenly freezes and forgets all that he was going to say. What to do, what to do. The illustrations are expressive and amusing; Clark sports his signature red and white striped t-shirt and red cap and all of his friends are appropriately attired for the classroom. At the end of the book are three bite-sized facts about sharks that young readers will find of interest. Consider this for your youngsters ready to tackle simple sentences.

Overall Book Score: very good