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Sam Wu is Not Afraid of ... #2
Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Sharks
Brilliantly funny new young series about the bravest scaredy-cat in the world Sam Wu is NOT a scaredy-cat (except when he is). And when a shark TOTALLY tries to eat him at the local aquarium, he decides he's not going to take any more chances. So at his friend's birthday party at the beach, Sam refuses to dip even a toe in the water. Nothing could go wrong now, could it?
204 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 6, 2018
Sam Wu is back, and this time he is definitely NOT afraid of sharks.
I have to say that whereas I liked Sam Wu in the first book, I wasn't too big of a fan of him in this. Imagination is one thing, but not knowing the difference between fiction and reality is getting annoying especially given his age. He looks to be at least 10. Yet, throughout this book, he keeps referencing his favourite show and even thinking that what happens there can happen in real life. Then there is the fact that he apparently thinks that sharks can just magically appear through pipes and hop into the swimming pool. Or that he doesn't know that most sharks are friendly and thus won't eat you. Generally sharks only attack humans because the shark thinks you are a seal or some other lovely animal.
Also, what 10-ish boy, doesn't know what an aquarium is? Sorry, but that seemed really weird. And that he even thought it was something like a Chinese restaurant because his grandma explained it like this? What? Really, what? Why didn't anyone just tell him honestly and in better words what it is and show him pictures of aquariums? In this day and age anyone can just pop online and go to the website or any other website on aquariums. It isn't like back in the day when, if you wanted to check something out, you had to go to the library, the place itself, or call the place.
It just feels unnatural, and I do wish the parents would notice, maybe they could talk to him, or even help him. Because it is not healthy that he goes full bonkers about sharks (or ghosts, or snakes). Even preventing his best friends to go to a party, and even worrying one about sharks to the point that one of his friends is very afraid to swim (or learn to swim).
On that matter, I thought it was weird that Bernard couldn't swim. Might be because I am from a country where young kids learn how to swim with lessons and diplomas and all that. We even had schoolswimming at a point (not sure if that is still around).
Zoe is still my favourite character, though I wish she had talked some sense in Sam. Well, at least she was trying that, but maybe also get a grown up to help out?
I loved Sam's sister and her cat (who still has the most brilliant name). How she took that cat with her to the beach. Oh dear.
There are also shark facts (yes, thankfully these kids finally decide to check out some stuff about sharks, not that it is helping Sam, but eh, at least they research), and I quite like reading them.
Plus Sam did a great thing near the ending, even though it was all overreaction, I still think it is pretty terrific he did that. He can be brave.
He also shows that he wants to be a good big brother to his sister, and he does try. Which made me go awww.
Plus points go to Regina. I really like that girl and how she is friendly and nice, while her brother is a mean bully. She even invited all the kids in her class, which I thought was really sweet.
The illustrations were also fab and fun!
So there were fun parts, fun illustrations, but Sam being Sam just got on my nerves. I really don't think it is healthy for a kid to go full bonkers about one thing to the point that he wants to lock himself (and his friends) in his room and not come out. I am sad that I cannot rate this book very high, and thus it means it can't stay in my collection. :( I still will try out the next book, but I will probably read an excerpt online first before buying it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have to say that whereas I liked Sam Wu in the first book, I wasn't too big of a fan of him in this. Imagination is one thing, but not knowing the difference between fiction and reality is getting annoying especially given his age. He looks to be at least 10. Yet, throughout this book, he keeps referencing his favourite show and even thinking that what happens there can happen in real life. Then there is the fact that he apparently thinks that sharks can just magically appear through pipes and hop into the swimming pool. Or that he doesn't know that most sharks are friendly and thus won't eat you. Generally sharks only attack humans because the shark thinks you are a seal or some other lovely animal.
Also, what 10-ish boy, doesn't know what an aquarium is? Sorry, but that seemed really weird. And that he even thought it was something like a Chinese restaurant because his grandma explained it like this? What? Really, what? Why didn't anyone just tell him honestly and in better words what it is and show him pictures of aquariums? In this day and age anyone can just pop online and go to the website or any other website on aquariums. It isn't like back in the day when, if you wanted to check something out, you had to go to the library, the place itself, or call the place.
It just feels unnatural, and I do wish the parents would notice, maybe they could talk to him, or even help him. Because it is not healthy that he goes full bonkers about sharks (or ghosts, or snakes). Even preventing his best friends to go to a party, and even worrying one about sharks to the point that one of his friends is very afraid to swim (or learn to swim).
On that matter, I thought it was weird that Bernard couldn't swim. Might be because I am from a country where young kids learn how to swim with lessons and diplomas and all that. We even had schoolswimming at a point (not sure if that is still around).
Zoe is still my favourite character, though I wish she had talked some sense in Sam. Well, at least she was trying that, but maybe also get a grown up to help out?
I loved Sam's sister and her cat (who still has the most brilliant name). How she took that cat with her to the beach. Oh dear.
There are also shark facts (yes, thankfully these kids finally decide to check out some stuff about sharks, not that it is helping Sam, but eh, at least they research), and I quite like reading them.
Plus Sam did a great thing near the ending, even though it was all overreaction, I still think it is pretty terrific he did that. He can be brave.
He also shows that he wants to be a good big brother to his sister, and he does try. Which made me go awww.
Plus points go to Regina. I really like that girl and how she is friendly and nice, while her brother is a mean bully. She even invited all the kids in her class, which I thought was really sweet.
The illustrations were also fab and fun!
So there were fun parts, fun illustrations, but Sam being Sam just got on my nerves. I really don't think it is healthy for a kid to go full bonkers about one thing to the point that he wants to lock himself (and his friends) in his room and not come out. I am sad that I cannot rate this book very high, and thus it means it can't stay in my collection. :( I still will try out the next book, but I will probably read an excerpt online first before buying it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 2, 2018
I love these books - they’re fun, brilliantly illustrated and younger me would’ve picked them up in a heartbeat. I love the humour in the Sam Wu books, he’s the perfect MC! These books always make me laugh. I can’t wait for book 3! Come on February!
March 17, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
First and foremost… I GOT A NEW BOOKMARK!!!!!!
It’s great swag for this book sent to me from Lauren at Sterling Publishing. I absolutely love it! It’s all shiny and new and two-sided promo graphics! Love it! Thank you so much for sending me this surprise!
So let’s get into the facts. Sam Wu is published by Egmont UK Publishing, the same publisher of many familiar greats, such as:
Michael Mafurgo (author of Warhorse)
Andy Stanton
Enid Blyton
Julia Donaldson
Michael Grant
William Nicholson
Helen Oxenbury
Jim Smith
Katherine Woodfine
Jason Rohan (author of the Kuromori series)
Dorothy Edwards’ books
Sarah Driver’s (Huntress series)
Neil Patrick Harris (Magic Misfits)
Laura Ellen Anderson (Amelia Fang series)
Robert Beatty (Seraphina series)
Tahereh Mafi (Ignite Me++)
Anne Fine books
Sterling Publishing is the distributer for Egmont in Canada. Do you recognize any of these? Quite the list and that’s just a teeny bit of whom they represent. I’ve read and reviewed a few of their books
So Sam Wu is a series for ages six plus. There are currently three books to the series so far: Sam Wu Isn’t Afraid of the Dark, and, Sam Wu Isn’t Afraid of Ghosts. This one is book two!
I heard of Sam Wu and his multitude of fears through word of mouth, and wanted to know more. In this book, there’s humour and adventure and crazy antics galore. You have an underdog MC who gets himself into some strange pickles and uses funny plots and schemes to get himself out of them. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the things Sam Wu does, situations he manages to get into, or how he overthinks everything. There’s illustrations included to compliment the story.
A bit of research had me surprised to find out that Katie Tsang also writes YA as Katherine Webber and Kevin used some of his own experiences during childhood for Sam Wu’s adventures.
It’s a great book and great publishers involved. Go check them out and see for yourself.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
First and foremost… I GOT A NEW BOOKMARK!!!!!!
It’s great swag for this book sent to me from Lauren at Sterling Publishing. I absolutely love it! It’s all shiny and new and two-sided promo graphics! Love it! Thank you so much for sending me this surprise!
So let’s get into the facts. Sam Wu is published by Egmont UK Publishing, the same publisher of many familiar greats, such as:
Michael Mafurgo (author of Warhorse)
Andy Stanton
Enid Blyton
Julia Donaldson
Michael Grant
William Nicholson
Helen Oxenbury
Jim Smith
Katherine Woodfine
Jason Rohan (author of the Kuromori series)
Dorothy Edwards’ books
Sarah Driver’s (Huntress series)
Neil Patrick Harris (Magic Misfits)
Laura Ellen Anderson (Amelia Fang series)
Robert Beatty (Seraphina series)
Tahereh Mafi (Ignite Me++)
Anne Fine books
Sterling Publishing is the distributer for Egmont in Canada. Do you recognize any of these? Quite the list and that’s just a teeny bit of whom they represent. I’ve read and reviewed a few of their books
So Sam Wu is a series for ages six plus. There are currently three books to the series so far: Sam Wu Isn’t Afraid of the Dark, and, Sam Wu Isn’t Afraid of Ghosts. This one is book two!
I heard of Sam Wu and his multitude of fears through word of mouth, and wanted to know more. In this book, there’s humour and adventure and crazy antics galore. You have an underdog MC who gets himself into some strange pickles and uses funny plots and schemes to get himself out of them. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the things Sam Wu does, situations he manages to get into, or how he overthinks everything. There’s illustrations included to compliment the story.
A bit of research had me surprised to find out that Katie Tsang also writes YA as Katherine Webber and Kevin used some of his own experiences during childhood for Sam Wu’s adventures.
It’s a great book and great publishers involved. Go check them out and see for yourself.
June 19, 2018
Sam Wu is back with the second book in this enormously fun series suitable for lower KS2.
If you’ve read the first book, you’ll remember that Sam Wu is DEFINITELY NOT a scaredy-cat ….except when he is. When an encounter with a shark is a little bit too close for comfort during the school trip to the aquarium, Sam knows the best thing to do is to keep well away from sharks from now on.
Unfortunately for Sam, his plan is challenged when he receives an invitation to his classmate’s birthday party on the beach. Sam (who is NOT scared) quickly begins to list all of the reasons not to go to a beach party:
1. Sharks
2. Jellyfish
3. Crabs
4. Waves
Not wanting the rest of the class to think they are scaredy-cats, Sam and his friends now need to come up with a new plan that will enable them to enjoy the party and stay well away from very frightening shark-related situations.
Filled with warmth and humour, Sam’s chatty narrative is really the star of these books and is what makes the stories so relatable. This book will strike a chord with anyone who knows what it feels like to be more frightened then they want to admit (which, let’s face it, is most people). Coupled with Nathan Reed’s appealing cartoon-style illustrations that are perfectly placed to bring a visual element to the book’s humorous tone, this is a brilliantly fun book that would make a wonderful addition to Year 3 & 4 classrooms. I also really like the way in which Sam's Chinese heritage is represented positively in this series without necessarily being central to the plot.
We are really looking forward to the next in the series, Sam Wu is not afraid of the Dark, expected early next year.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced review copy of this book.
If you’ve read the first book, you’ll remember that Sam Wu is DEFINITELY NOT a scaredy-cat ….except when he is. When an encounter with a shark is a little bit too close for comfort during the school trip to the aquarium, Sam knows the best thing to do is to keep well away from sharks from now on.
Unfortunately for Sam, his plan is challenged when he receives an invitation to his classmate’s birthday party on the beach. Sam (who is NOT scared) quickly begins to list all of the reasons not to go to a beach party:
1. Sharks
2. Jellyfish
3. Crabs
4. Waves
Not wanting the rest of the class to think they are scaredy-cats, Sam and his friends now need to come up with a new plan that will enable them to enjoy the party and stay well away from very frightening shark-related situations.
Filled with warmth and humour, Sam’s chatty narrative is really the star of these books and is what makes the stories so relatable. This book will strike a chord with anyone who knows what it feels like to be more frightened then they want to admit (which, let’s face it, is most people). Coupled with Nathan Reed’s appealing cartoon-style illustrations that are perfectly placed to bring a visual element to the book’s humorous tone, this is a brilliantly fun book that would make a wonderful addition to Year 3 & 4 classrooms. I also really like the way in which Sam's Chinese heritage is represented positively in this series without necessarily being central to the plot.
We are really looking forward to the next in the series, Sam Wu is not afraid of the Dark, expected early next year.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me an advanced review copy of this book.
April 26, 2019
I've become a Sam Wu fan. Ridiculousness, over-imagination, wonderful friendship, and learning to beat fears come together for a hilarious ride.
After conquering his fear of ghosts, Sam Wu learns he's afraid of something else—sharks. Thanks to an eventful trip to the aquarium, he's come to realize how dangerous sharks can be. Deadly dangerous! So when his friends invite him to their birthday at the beach, he's in a tight space. He has to go; they're his best friends. But the ocean has sharks, and he's not about to let himself get eaten by one. Let alone his friends.
Graphic novels are simply high on my children's reading lists, especially ones which hit a humorous note. This book definitely does this. Sam Wu is around ten years old and has quite the imagination. He's not exactly a quiet kid either. His fears—although over the top—aren't really that far out there and readers do sympathize...even if they aren't as extreme about it as he is. But that's what makes this funny. He is extreme, but not in a bad way. He's also very concerned about those around him. And them about him.
The illustrations and direct, non-fancy wording make this a treat. Every page holds tension and surprises. It's hard not to laugh out loud at some spots and shake the head at others. Especially reluctant readers will enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading every page as did my children.
After conquering his fear of ghosts, Sam Wu learns he's afraid of something else—sharks. Thanks to an eventful trip to the aquarium, he's come to realize how dangerous sharks can be. Deadly dangerous! So when his friends invite him to their birthday at the beach, he's in a tight space. He has to go; they're his best friends. But the ocean has sharks, and he's not about to let himself get eaten by one. Let alone his friends.
Graphic novels are simply high on my children's reading lists, especially ones which hit a humorous note. This book definitely does this. Sam Wu is around ten years old and has quite the imagination. He's not exactly a quiet kid either. His fears—although over the top—aren't really that far out there and readers do sympathize...even if they aren't as extreme about it as he is. But that's what makes this funny. He is extreme, but not in a bad way. He's also very concerned about those around him. And them about him.
The illustrations and direct, non-fancy wording make this a treat. Every page holds tension and surprises. It's hard not to laugh out loud at some spots and shake the head at others. Especially reluctant readers will enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading every page as did my children.
March 4, 2019
Sam Wu has already proved that he is not afraid of ghosts in his first book, but now there is a new danger - sharks! When Sam's class goes to the aquarium he is startled when a shark seems intent on ramming its way through the glass. His flinching reaction is noted by some classmates who take delight in teasing him about it and reminding him about a regrettable incident on a past field trip.
The illustrations are hilarious and capture every expression and quiver. For instance, when the docent urges Sam to pet a stingray we can see his mouth open in a protesting gasp, his elbows shaking, and his wide-eyed stare at the tank. We also have the inner monologue of Sam's thoughts. "Who would want to touch a stingray? That's like asking, "Who wants to pet this spiky porcupine?" Sam thinks.
Lucky for Sam, he has friends to help him deal with the teasing. There is Bernard who "loves to look things up.It is kind of his superpower." And his friend "Zoe's superpower is being super fast." But of course, Sam's superpower "is being SUPER BRAVE, obviously."
This series is a good match for beginning chapter book readers who enjoy the heavily illustrated style that also gives them support with the text. Recommend it to readers who enjoy series like Katie Woo and Kylie Jean.
I read an advance review copy provided by the publisher.
The illustrations are hilarious and capture every expression and quiver. For instance, when the docent urges Sam to pet a stingray we can see his mouth open in a protesting gasp, his elbows shaking, and his wide-eyed stare at the tank. We also have the inner monologue of Sam's thoughts. "Who would want to touch a stingray? That's like asking, "Who wants to pet this spiky porcupine?" Sam thinks.
Lucky for Sam, he has friends to help him deal with the teasing. There is Bernard who "loves to look things up.It is kind of his superpower." And his friend "Zoe's superpower is being super fast." But of course, Sam's superpower "is being SUPER BRAVE, obviously."
This series is a good match for beginning chapter book readers who enjoy the heavily illustrated style that also gives them support with the text. Recommend it to readers who enjoy series like Katie Woo and Kylie Jean.
I read an advance review copy provided by the publisher.
July 22, 2019
Sam Wu is totally aware of all the possible dangers around him. Water dangers include everything from drowning to sharks. But now he and his friends have been invited to a birthday party at the beach. Can he get out of it? He comes up with various plans, but eventually faces his fears. There's a lot of hyperbole here, and plenty of black and white illustrations, making this a good choice for those heading into chapter books. Fear is a common childhood theme, so this will appeal to kids who might see themselves reflected in the character. However, Look's "Alvin Ho" series is very very very similar, and has a wider appeal.
April 15, 2019
Try as he might, no matter how brave he wants to be, Sam Wu is afraid of sharks. He is afraid of many things. Like any typical boy, he hides his by putting up a tough front. This book is about how Sam Wu take is fear and turns it into an act of bravery.
I find this book to be great for kids. It is funny, has some action and very relatable. Sam Wu is a great character and offers a lot into the lives of children.
I received this book in exchange for an hones review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at Little Lady Plays
I find this book to be great for kids. It is funny, has some action and very relatable. Sam Wu is a great character and offers a lot into the lives of children.
I received this book in exchange for an hones review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at Little Lady Plays
July 15, 2019
Super fun addition to our early chapters collection @centralcubhub from @kevgtsang and @kwebberwanders Love the mix of graphics and text, varied font styles and exaggerated text. 🦈 Packed with fun, some shark facts, Q & A with the authors and even a sneak peek at the next book! Favorite quote in the book (after someone tells them to be quiet in the library): “Someone should invent a loud library, it is very hard to keep quiet when you are discovering EXCITING things.” ♥️ Our Library is anything but quiet!! #whatsneadreads #librarylife📚 #raisingreaders #cfblibraries
January 8, 2019
I really enjoyed Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts so I was really excited when I received an ARC of this book. I really like Sam, Zoe, and Bernard. This is really well-written, with enough illustrations and fonts to catch and keep a child's attention. It is funny and realistic, with great supporting characters. I would hand this to a child who is ready for longer chapter books but still needs the comfort of illustrations (3rd-4th grade).
July 16, 2019
2 1/2 stars, rounded up for the kids.
To be honest, by the fifth chapter, I never wanted to read the words "Space Blasters" ever again! Sam is just a little bit too obsessed and it's a bit one-dimensional. However, the friendship trio comes across quite well, and his friends are more accepting of his obsession that I am.
This book had a good ending, which redeemed it some.
I would recommend this book to children who are ready to move on from books like Minecraft Zombie.
To be honest, by the fifth chapter, I never wanted to read the words "Space Blasters" ever again! Sam is just a little bit too obsessed and it's a bit one-dimensional. However, the friendship trio comes across quite well, and his friends are more accepting of his obsession that I am.
This book had a good ending, which redeemed it some.
I would recommend this book to children who are ready to move on from books like Minecraft Zombie.
August 14, 2019
Sam Wu is afraid of lots of things, but he is inspired by his favorite TV show, Space Blasters, to be as brave as he can be in any situation. A class trip to the aquarium introduces a new fear - sharks. When his frenemy, Ralph and his sister, Regina, invite Sam and his friend to their birthday beach party, there's a lot to do to get ready. Young readers will laugh at Sam and his antics to try to avoid dangerous situations.
March 15, 2020
Read this this for work. A fun, easy read (a few dark pages) lots of pictures and good characters. Themes include friendships, peer pressure and facing your fears. I can see many 7- 9 years olds enjoying this series.
May 26, 2020
Sam is trying to shake the nickname Scaredy-Cat Sam. After an unfortunate encounter at the field trip to the aquarium, Sam has to prove he is brave by attending a beach birthday party that might possibly be in shark infested waters.
April 3, 2022
Another solid children’s book with laugh out loud moments. I enjoy how Sam’s Chinese/Hong Kong heritage is a natural part of the book. My class loved the first book and I will be recommending the second to them.
June 17, 2018
Sam Wu is so much fun! I want to be related to him!
July 22, 2018
Sam Wu is such great fun! Really appeals to children in Y3-4 and makes me giggle aloud regularly. Sharks is a great sequel.
August 26, 2018
Great follow-up to first book about ghosts, fun writing, great animation. loved it
November 29, 2018
Another fun filled, hilarious adventure for the team. Lots of great shark facts too!
May 6, 2019
Great illustrated chapter book for early readers! Funny and fun to read.
March 22, 2020
TJ really liked this. I think Butterbutt was his favorite, but of course when I ask, he says, "All of it was my favorite." I wish our library had more of the Sam Wu series.
June 7, 2020
Another great read with my son. Being afraid doesn't mean you're not brave.
Currently reading
December 5, 2020Sam Wu is so funny😂😂😂😃😅😄
Want to read
April 3, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 8, 2021
Love the graphics and the story. This is my second Sam Wu is not afraid of... book and I continue to enjoy them. Fun to read and enjoyable for my child age 7.
August 3, 2022
Another great addition to this series that I loved reading with my year 1 class!
January 8, 2024
A fun, zippy read for lower primary students with great underlying messages about courage, kindness and friendship. Definitely getting the first in the series for the book club program at school.
Read
January 9, 2024Overcoming your fears. Sam learns to overcome his irrational fear of bodies of water after he swears a shark tried to eat him while he was at the aquarium.
January 7, 2025
Sam Wu is invited to a party at the beach and he wants to keep everyone safe so he plan many things to save everyone.
July 27, 2019
It’s okay, the kids will like it. I like the illustrations but I thought the main character came off as really unintelligent rather than funny.
Nowhere near as good as the WeirDo series.
Nowhere near as good as the WeirDo series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews