Misunderstood Shark

Misunderstood Shark #1

by Ame Dyckman, Scott Magoon (Illustrator)

From bestselling author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Scott Magoon comes the laugh-out-loud story about a Misunderstood Shark who just wants to show the world who he really is...

Every beachgoer knows that there's nothing more terrifying than a... SHARRRK! But this shark is just misunderstood, or is he? In a wholly original, sidesplittingly funny story, New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Scott Magoon take this perennial theme and turn it on its (hammer)head with a brand-new cheeky character. The filming of an underwater TV show goes awry when the crew gets interrupted by a... SHARRRK! Poor Shark, he wasn't trying to scare them, he's just misunderstood! Then he's accused of trying to eat a fish. Will Shark ever catch a break? After all, he wasn't going to eat the fish, he was just showing it his new tooth! Or was he? Explosively funny, extraordinarily clever, and even full of fun shark facts, this surprisingly endearing story gets to the heart of what it feels like to be misunderstood by the people around you. With a surprise twist ending, our Misunderstood Shark will have kids rolling with laughter!

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Juvenile

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

One shrewd shark skillfully squelches any talk of his suspicious scheming with a silly story of misperception. But careful, don’t let this sneaky shark see you as shark bait and seize his shot at supper! Loved the format, loved the illustrations, loved the story!

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick children's picture book, about a shark who falls into some mishaps and who everyone seems to be afraid of. I listened to the audiobook which was only ten minutes long. There are some fun facts about sharks for kids. I can see younger readers reading/listening and enjoying the experience.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hilarious! And I loved the subtle inclusion of some great facts about sharks and sea creatures also. Would pair well with The Bad Seed.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The ocean gets its saltiness from the tears of misunderstood sharks."

This book is too funny.

[Mya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations on this book were beautiful done. However, the plot was lacking somewhere.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The ocean gets its saltiness from the tears of misunderstood sharks! I read that somewhere."

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time for Underwater World with Bob, and right in the middle of the live presentation, Bob the jellyfish is interrupted when he sees Shark eating a fish. But, no, explains Shark, he wasn't eating a fish; no, he was just showing the fish his new tooth.

And so goes this little story, with a hungry shark trying to get a meal without appearing in a bad light on TV. The author delightfully intermingles fun shark facts throughout the tale. The ending is especially fun.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A broadcaster seeks to reveal the truth about that most misunderstood of species--the shark--and reveals some interesting facts about the species. Each time it looks as thought the shark is about to do what comes naturally to this fierce predator--grab some lunch--he explains to the audience that is watching live that they misunderstood his intentions. This goes on through several iterations until the shark just cannot control his inner urges, and the broadcaster gets a lot closer to his interviewee than he had planned, even gaining an inside look at one shark in particular. Young readers will be amused and get a kick out of all the ups and downs in the story and how it ends, but those of us who love sharks might feel a little sad that this book simply continues to add to the fear many humans have about this magnificent creature. After all, sharks will be sharks, and everyone needs to eat, but that doesn't mean they are interested in eating humans except under unusual circumstances.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Bob the jellyfish attempts to begin the filming of his live maritime documentary, Underwater World, he finds himself interrupted by the appearance of a shark. His initial panic is soothed by Shark's assurance that he has no intention of eating that fish... or that seal... or those people. Shark is just misunderstood! Or is he? Bob is about to find out firsthand...

Talented children's book author Ame Dyckman, the writing force behind such winners as You Don't Want a Unicorn! , Boy + Bot and Read the Book, Lemmings! teams up with equally talented illustrator Scott Magoon ( Spoon , Ugly Fish , I Will Not Eat You ) in this latest picture-book. The result is a distinctly amusing treat. Children will enjoy the humorous "will he, wont't he?" tension in this one, as Shark seems perpetually poised to eat the other cast members, while adults with a fondness for Jon Klassen style endings will appreciate the conclusion. Recommended to Dyckman and/or Magoon fans, and to anyone who enjoys picture-books with a somewhat zany sense of humor.

[Gary Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharks don’t really eat cute baby seals, do they? Sharks are just terribly misunderstood, right? In Misunderstood Shark, a media-savvy shark behaves differently on live television than when he is following his natural instincts. Author Ame Dyckman (Wolfie the Bunny, Boy + Bot) presents this comical scenario that teaches readers about shark habits without showing the predator-devouring-prey side of things. Hapless squid run the television show and offer funny commentary throughout Dyckman’s colorful picture book with clever illustrations by Scott Magoon (Rescue and Jessica, Spoon). This unique frame for presenting information is off-center enough to entertain young readers, although I wish the book included back matter to guide those intrigued enough to investigate more about sharks.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is hilarious. I also didn't realize how good it is for kids who are interested in learning more about sharks. The book begins with a jellyfish TV host by the name of Bob. Bob decides to spend the show telling humans why sharks are misunderstood while also providing fun and interesting facts. I already knew most of the facts discussed in this book so they didn't surprise me; however, I did enjoy that the audience members were humans and not other fish. Shark also had an interesting perspective of himself. He maintained and acted in his natural habitat as long as "the people" weren't watching. This definitely a creative way to introduce children to non-fiction without throwing them directly into the non-fiction section. The ending led directly into the second book.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny book about a misunderstood Shark. There’s a sprinkling of facts in a fictional story, set up in TV documentary format.
Art matches story well.

Kids enjoyed this story and voted to give it 5 stars.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best for a one-on-one read; will the kids get it? The clever ones will! Love the fun facts throughout--and I am a fan of the dark tone, personally speaking--and the pictures.

[Michele Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious story about a shark who tries to convince everyone that he is harmless and friendly. But will anyone believe him? The story sneaks in some cool shark facts. Great illustrations.

[Woody Chichester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to this book I now know the ocean is salty due to the tears of misunderstood sharks. Great illustrations and a fun story filled with facts about sharks. Only 33% cautionary tale.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: "Hello, people! Today on Underwater World with Bob, Fun Facts about--" SHARK!


Premise/plot: Bob, the narrator--both of this book and of Underwater World--shares a LOT of facts about sharks in this new picture book. Will readers believe Bob's facts and intuition OR shark's own spin of what is really happening?!?!

"Shark! The people are watching! Don't eat that fish in front of the people!"

"The PEOPLE can see me?"

"You misunderstood!! I wasn't going to eat him. I was just...showing him my new tooth!"

"Fun fact about that! Sharks can grow and lose 30,000 teeth in their lifetime."

This picture book goes on to show that ANYTHING can happen on live TV.

My thoughts: Misunderstood Shark is a great book. I loved the illustrations. (I also loved the design and layout. So clever!) I loved the narrative. What a great way to introduce the concept of an unreliable narrator! There's also the fun way it incorporates facts into the narrative.

This one might pair well with Jonathan Fenske's Barnacle is Bored or Plankton is Pushy. Or even Mo Willems That Is Not A Good Idea! Misunderstood Shark uses the live TV angle and That Is Not a Good Idea seems inspired by silent movies. Both are predictably tricksy.


Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun to be had in this book. Jellyfish is the reporter and today’s assignment is to talk to a shark. This shark is so misunderstood. He doesn’t want to eat people. He wants to help. He wants to be loved. And he wants to play hide and seek. But I would suggest not playing hide and seek , you might not like the hiding places.

[Sara Curley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun book for kids and adults. I would recommend getting the pair of books together if possible. (Other book is Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don't Eat Friends). It mixes a cute story with fun little facts about the sharks and other water creatures, so all ages can be laughing and learning together.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another darkly comic children's book in the vein of I Want My Hat Back.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun picture book.
(With maybe lots of nods to The Life Aquatic?)

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the nonfiction facts woven throughout.

[Laurie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny shark book with a slightly dark bend. The ending is great and I liked how shark facts were interwoven throughout. Fabulous illustrations. I will definitely purchase the sequel for my library.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story and the twist at the end. Great for fans of Klaasen's I Want My Hat Back. Such a fun read aloud.

[Olivia Delisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book for kids wanting a funny story. it also has themes of being misunderstood(obviously), however, it relatable and could help kids think differently before judging others

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good shark facts but the story wasn’t really there

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read this aloud.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute art and fun story.

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, silly, and a bit scary, while also being educational.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny! I loved the story and hilarious illustrations. Kids will definitely love this one! Highly recommended Grades K-5.

[Clementine · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty darkly funny with a lot of kid appeal, but it's long enough and has enough going on in each page that it's best for smaller group reads.