Gilbert the Hero

by Jane Clarke, Charles Fuge (Illustrator)

Gilbert--the lovable white shark created by the award-winning author/illustrator duo Jane Clarke and Charles Fuge--is back in a third thrilling adventure. And the exciting news is: there's a new baby in Gilbert's family! But Gilbert proves he still has a lot to learn about being a big brother. When a hungry killer whale comes around, will Gilbert be able to save Finn?

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Family, Fiction, Childrens, Kids, Adventure

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

See also pseudonym Hayley Daze.

Jane was born 17 December 1954 and brought up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. From 1972 to 1975 Jane attend the University of Birmingham where she earned a combined Bachelor of Arts with honours in archaeology and history. In 1981 she completed a PhD in archaeology from University College London.

On 5 November 1977 Jane married Chemical Engineer Martin Clarke, whose work took them to Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Wales and the Netherlands. Together they raised two sons, Andrew and Robert (both born in Wales).

During her doctoral studies Jane lectured at University College London (1978–79). Thereafter she lectured at University College Cardiff in Wales part time (1981–83), and also taught history at Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Wales (1979–83). After Jane moved with her family to the Netherlands (Koewacht), she began working part time as a librarian at the Antwerp International School. It was during this time when she started her career as a children’s author.

Jane’s husband, Martin, died of a heart attack in Antwerp, Belgium on 20 December 2001. In June 2005, Jane moved from the Netherlands back to Kent (near Deal) in England where she now lives.

Aside from writing children’s books, Jane spends a significant amount of time inspiring children to read and write. She frequently visits schools throughout the UK and Europe to do so.

Jane Clarke is a team writer on three different popular series. Dinosaur Cove (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Oxford University Press), Puddle the naughtiest puppy (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Ladybird Books Ltd.) and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (created by Random House Children's Books and published by Red Fox.)

Jane has also done support work for various charitable organisations including Ellenor Lions Children’s Hospice, Institute of Cancer Research (The Clapham Grand), Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and READ (promotes reading in Africa).

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is suitable for children from years 1 to 3. There are colourful illustrations and text in large and bold fonts to emphasise fear and expression for when reading aloud.

[Chesbirger659 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really funny and really great 😊😁😊😁😀😀😀😀😊😁😊

[Maddy Filippi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book begins with Gilbert taking his little brother, Finn to the park to play with their friend, Rita. Gilbert attempts to play his favorite games with Finn but Finn is too small and gets hurt. Gilbert then straps his brother into a swing so he and Rita can ride a skate. While Gilbert is not with his brother a giant whale tries to eat Finn but fortunately Gilbert saves Finn in time. Gilbert, Finn and Rita hide in a shipwreck and do not get eaten by the whale. This book focuses on the relationship between a younger and older sibling when they are not with any adults. The book is very word heavy including words such as, "rocketed" and "churned," so I suggest that it is read to a younger child boy a parent or older reader. While this book did have very detailed and child-like drawing of sharks and whales, I would not recommend this book because it does not promote a very positive sibling relationship.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book back in January with Mason and Cassie one evening before bed. It's a cute story for a big sibling and they have a little sibling. It voices their frustrations that their sibling is too young to join in on the fun that they might not be ready for yet. The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful. I loved that each animal had their own personality that set them apart. The text in this book was easy to read and it flowed perfectly from each page. I love that you get see the relationship between Gilbert and his little brother in this book. Also how it shifts to make it where you can see Gilbert take the role of Big brother, protector. I highly recommend reading this to kids who struggle with the adjustment of being the big sibling to a new sibling.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gilbert takes his little brother to the park to play with his friend Rita. At first they were afraid Finn would ruin things but they found something to make Finn happy. But a shark comes and puts them all in danger, but Rita an$ Gilbert are good “brother sitters” and rescues Finn. A great sibling book

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Best for kids who love sharks and find their younger sibling annoying. The story is very wordy and definitely more tell than show. MY biggest critique is that it doesn't promote great sibling relationships as the younger shark is left in a swing while the other young sharks play. Even though the younger shark may have been happy there, it felt neglectful.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could be used to talk about responsibility. Gilbert is responsible for caring for his little brother, Fin. Warning, this book might be scary for some younger children. Know your audience!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gilbert is responsible for looking after his little brother Finn while playing with a friend. However, Finn is too small for all their regular games and it gets frustrating. Good story about friendship, siblings, bravery, and responsibility. It's pretty text heavy, but has great illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gilbert the great white shark takes his baby brother, Finn, to the park for games, but when a killer whale interrupts the fun, it's up to Gilbert to protect and save Finn from danger.

[Skylar Lesser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a great one to teach kids about responsibility and kindness.
Trait: ideas
Lexile: N/A
DRA: N/A

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic illustrations and a storyline kids will be able to relate to. It's nice to see sharks as the good guys for once!

[Tessa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

lol

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story, just the right mix of words and pictures

[Jamie Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture Book

Clarke, J. (2010). Gilbert the hero. New York: Sterling Pub.

Gilbert and his brother Finn go to the park with Rita. Rita thinks Finn is too little to go to the park, but Gilbert tells Rita that Finn will be fine. Once they get to the park Finn seems to get hurt on everything. Finally Finn seems to be having fun on the swing until a giant killer whale goes after him Finn is strapped into the swing and can't escape. Gilbert races to save Finn and carries Finn off to safety in a near by shipwrecked boat.

Bloom's Activity
Rewrite the ending of the story so that Finn is the Hero instead of Gilbert.

[Falan Miller]

This book was fun to read. I like how the main characters are sharks. That is very rare for you to see that. These two brothers decide to go to the park. The oldest brother wants to play all "big kid" games, but his little brother cannot handle it. He is too small. The brother ends up leaving his little brother unwatched as he went to go play with his friends. A bad thing starts to brew up as soon as the older brother leaves.

"Gilbert the Hero" was cute and I liked how the author wrote the story. I also like that the characters were fish!

I think every student can almost relate to this book. If they have a younger sibling then they lnow exactly how this older brother was feeling.

[Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment in the Gilbert series, Gilbert takes his new little brother, Finn, out to play. But soon Gilbert and Gilbert's friend, Rita, realize that not all their games are suited for little sharks. Gilbert gets frustrated and decides to play with his other friends while Finn is in the seaweed swing...but trouble soon comes in the form of a killer whale! Can Gilbert get to his little brother in time??
With comical text, a tense story and Fuge's delightful illustrations, this is the perfect book for younger readers.

[Megan Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert and Rita are headed out to play but Finn, Gilbert's little brother has to come along. While Rita and Gilbert play, an Orca arrives. Gilbert rescues Finn and they hide in a wrecked ship until the Orca leaves. Through this adventure, Gilbert learns his brother is good at Tide-and-Seek. Many kids have younger siblings who they may not want to play with because they are too little to play their games. This book shows that there is always something they can do and everyone can get along and have fun.

[Sarah Fitzsimmons]

Gilbert the hero is about two sharks who are brothers. Gilbert, the older brother, takes his younger brother, Finn, out to play. All of the adventures they encounter are full of action and it really showcases the loving relationship between siblings!
I love this book so much! The message it gives about the relationship between brothers is so good! It's an easy read and it really captures your attention!
I would definitely have this book in my classroom! I believe that my students would love this book for its cute story and amazing illustrations.

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. The drawings are fantastic, and the story is simple but fun. I also think these are real issues for kids as they grow up: What to do with a little sibling who can't play all the fun games?

It emphasizes loyalty and bravery, and finding joy in compromise / putting someone else's needs above your own. I approve.

3.5 stars.

(Once a month I read picture books to a 2nd grade class. This one made the cut.)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written and the pictures were exquisite. I think it would be a great book for a brother or sister with a younger sibling to read. Gilbert let Finn participate even if he was a little too young to appreciate the games. I enjoyed this book and I think a family with kids of differing ages would too! :)

Happy Reading!

[Daniel Riles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, especially the whimsical illustrations and corny puns, but the puns went above my 3.5 year-old daughter's head. On the second reading, she asked me to skip the pages with the big whale; it was too frightening for her. That made the whole point of the plot irrelevant, so she didn't get that much out of the book.

[Jessica Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be good for children in your class with younger siblings. It shows them how to include everyone even though it may not be what they want to do. It is all about compromise and learning to put others needs above your own sometimes.

[Natalie Heavrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the few children's books that I've read that has some suspense and action in it. The story is fairly boring until it gets to the exciting part at the end. I think the kids would love the suspense and they could predict what wouldl happen next.

[Kaylee Warzecha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of an older brother learning that it's ok to play with younger siblings and allowing them to join in on your fun. They won't take away the fun they just add to it in another way. A great book to teach young children about loving their siblings. (Picture book)

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gilbert has to to watch his little brother Fin. Since Gilbert is a large great white shark this should be easy..... or will it? The ocean holds many dangers for even some of its largest fish members.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda cool...I liked how the younger brother shark always went "Whaaaa." Hahaha.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great seeing a children's book that uses sharks as the main characters! A must for ocean loving kids.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

My favorite thing is Finn's happy smile when he's tucked into the swing.

[Courtney]

I'm absolutely terrified of sharks and anything that has to do with them, but I really lived this heartwarming story and the colorful/inviting illustrations.

[Jeimy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gilbert learns about responsibility when he is asked to take care of his baby sibling.