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Oona the Mermaid #2
Oona and the Shark
The big sea's littlest mischief-maker, Oona, is back in another delightful tale from New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Raissa Figueroa.
Oona loves to share her inventions with her friends. They're big and bold and LOUD--just like her! But there's one underwater creature who doesn't seem to enjoy Oona's company, or her creations.
Stanley the shark! He doesn't care for her squeaky unicorn. And he's far too busy for the Sea Horse Carousel. And oh GOODNESS! Oona's latest hopping, chopping, and popping inventions just make him angry.
Oona may not know what Stanley likes, but she does know what he doesn't. And maybe that's a good place to start. Because mermaids never stop trying...not when there's a friend out there to make.
Oona loves to share her inventions with her friends. They're big and bold and LOUD--just like her! But there's one underwater creature who doesn't seem to enjoy Oona's company, or her creations.
Stanley the shark! He doesn't care for her squeaky unicorn. And he's far too busy for the Sea Horse Carousel. And oh GOODNESS! Oona's latest hopping, chopping, and popping inventions just make him angry.
Oona may not know what Stanley likes, but she does know what he doesn't. And maybe that's a good place to start. Because mermaids never stop trying...not when there's a friend out there to make.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2022
About the author
Kelly DiPucchio
61 books265 followersKelly is the award-winning author of several children’s books, thousands of To-Do lists, and a few recipe cards. Two of her books, Grace For President and The Sandwich Swap, were New York Times bestsellers.
Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.
Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.
Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.
Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 26, 2021
As a fan of the first book in this series, I was not let down by this second installment. This is a beautiful story about how was make accommodations for those that we care about. Lovely story and would highly recommend it to any parent.
June 15, 2022
Such a cute story about making friends and kudos for the illustrations, they're great!! I highly recommend and as a librarian, this book is perfect for the 2022 Summer Learning Program this year, themed 'Oceans of Possibilities'!!
April 7, 2022
i like it
August 28, 2022
Oona is an inventor, and she loves to share her loud, exciting inventions with her friends. But Stanley the shark doesn't like her inventions. Oona is hurt. But then, Oona figures out that Stanley prefers quiet and finds a way to nurture a friendship with someone who is different than her.
This could be a great discussion starter on introverts vs. extroverts, quiet vs. loud, getting along with people who are different, and finding common ground.
This could be a great discussion starter on introverts vs. extroverts, quiet vs. loud, getting along with people who are different, and finding common ground.
March 22, 2022
What a brilliant picture book combining so many different elements including my all time favorite, MERMAIDS! I love that she is an inventor, and must learn to help a friend who is not into playing the same way she is. A coworker and I plan to use this for Storytime this summer during our Ocean of Possibilities Summer Program!
July 28, 2022
Adorable picture book that tackles the complications of befriending an introvert. The need for an innie to belong coupled with the anxiety about what that takes. Oona fails at first, but doesn't give up.
May 14, 2022
This was a lovely Oona story. I like that Oona figures out the right way to become friends with the shark even if it is different from how she normally interacts with others.
July 6, 2022
This is the cutest hecking picture book I have ever read. Who knew I would have so much in common with a shark!
July 9, 2022
A family favorite this last month! Such a great story of friendship and recognizing the needs of others.
September 3, 2022
Loved this continuation of adorable Oona and her trying to become friends with a hammerhead shark. Such a sweet lesson as well. Can't go wrong with this picture book series!
December 12, 2024
In love with the illustrations, very cute story
January 3, 2025
The illustrations are beautiful.
March 29, 2022
Oona is still the most special mermaid I have ever seen.
July 12, 2022
Black mermaid inventor who makes friends by respecting their personalities? Here for it!
August 7, 2023
4 - 8 years
August 26, 2022
There’s no such thing as having too many friends.
As I mentioned in my review of Oona, the first tale in this series that happens to share the same name with the protagonist, she was such a persistent and likeable girl. Oona made me smile every time I turned the page and saw what she’d decided to do next. She was the sort of character who could accomplish just about anything she set her mind to do!
I did find myself wishing that someone had reminded Oona to respect other people’s body language and boundaries. She ignored several clear examples of things someone will do and say when they’re uninterested but don’t feel comfortable clearly saying no to an offer. While there were reasons other than an overall disinterest in Oona’s friendship for this behavior in the shark’s case, I think it’s also important for kids and sweet little mermaids to learn how to gracefully accept when someone doesn’t want to play with them. I am saying this as someone who loved the storyline in general and would happily read it to the little ones in my life after explaining to them that it’s just as important to respect people’s boundaries as it is to find common interests with a potential new friend.
With that being said, the author did a wonderful job of showing how neurodivergence affects friendships. Shark’s precise diagnosis was never shared, so this could apply to all sorts of children. What mattered was that he was a little different from the other inhabitants of the ocean and that Oona needed to try something new in order to reach him. It was beautiful to see how much effort she put into understanding him and trying to find something they could enjoy doing together.
This is the second story in a series that does not have to be read in order. Definitely do check out Oona’s first adventure if you like it, though!
Oona and the Shark was a heartwarming summer read.
As I mentioned in my review of Oona, the first tale in this series that happens to share the same name with the protagonist, she was such a persistent and likeable girl. Oona made me smile every time I turned the page and saw what she’d decided to do next. She was the sort of character who could accomplish just about anything she set her mind to do!
I did find myself wishing that someone had reminded Oona to respect other people’s body language and boundaries. She ignored several clear examples of things someone will do and say when they’re uninterested but don’t feel comfortable clearly saying no to an offer. While there were reasons other than an overall disinterest in Oona’s friendship for this behavior in the shark’s case, I think it’s also important for kids and sweet little mermaids to learn how to gracefully accept when someone doesn’t want to play with them. I am saying this as someone who loved the storyline in general and would happily read it to the little ones in my life after explaining to them that it’s just as important to respect people’s boundaries as it is to find common interests with a potential new friend.
With that being said, the author did a wonderful job of showing how neurodivergence affects friendships. Shark’s precise diagnosis was never shared, so this could apply to all sorts of children. What mattered was that he was a little different from the other inhabitants of the ocean and that Oona needed to try something new in order to reach him. It was beautiful to see how much effort she put into understanding him and trying to find something they could enjoy doing together.
This is the second story in a series that does not have to be read in order. Definitely do check out Oona’s first adventure if you like it, though!
Oona and the Shark was a heartwarming summer read.
January 27, 2024
Oona the mermaid returns in this second picture book adventure from author/illustrator team Kelly DiPucchio and Raissa Figueroa, this time determined to befriend a reluctant hammerhead shark named Stanley. Despite her outgoing, friendly personality, and her many friendly overtures however, Stanley remains elusive, uninterested in all of Oona's gifts and inventions. Eventually our mermaid heroine discovers that the shark dislikes noise and disruption—something created by all of her prior attempts at befriending him—and she sets out to create an activity that is quiet and contemplative, eventually winning this selachian creature over...
I found Oona , the eponymous first picture book to feature this little mermaid, quite charming, and anticipated that Oona and the Shark would be similarly delightful. Although not quite the equal of its predecessor, for the most part I was not disappointed in this one, finding the narrative engaging and the artwork lovely. There were moments when Oona was a little bit too much here, more focused on her own desire to befriend Stanley, than on what kind of friend she was trying to be to him, but that is part of the underlying message, I think. I appreciate the fact that Oona learns she must tailor her ideas about play to the needs of this other creature, if she is to succeed in befriending him, and that Stanley can be read simply as a shyer more introverted being, or, with his dislike of noise and need for patterns, as someone who is neurodivergent. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first book about Oona, as well as to anyone seeking children's stories about friendship, and how to befriend those who are different from oneself.
I found Oona , the eponymous first picture book to feature this little mermaid, quite charming, and anticipated that Oona and the Shark would be similarly delightful. Although not quite the equal of its predecessor, for the most part I was not disappointed in this one, finding the narrative engaging and the artwork lovely. There were moments when Oona was a little bit too much here, more focused on her own desire to befriend Stanley, than on what kind of friend she was trying to be to him, but that is part of the underlying message, I think. I appreciate the fact that Oona learns she must tailor her ideas about play to the needs of this other creature, if she is to succeed in befriending him, and that Stanley can be read simply as a shyer more introverted being, or, with his dislike of noise and need for patterns, as someone who is neurodivergent. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first book about Oona, as well as to anyone seeking children's stories about friendship, and how to befriend those who are different from oneself.
August 8, 2022
4.5 ⭐️, but ALWAYS round it up!
Oona's adventures continue as she makes friends in and out of the ocean. Determined to be friends with all those she comes in contact, Oona becomes frustrated when Shark does not respond positively or well at all to her offers for friendship; in fact, shark goes out of his way to avoid Oona. Frustration fills Oona as everyone loves her and her incredible inventions. Determined to have shark become her friend, she pushes invention after invention at him in an effort to gain his friendship, which he does not respond well to. After stepping back, evaluating the situation, and actually observing shark, she realizes she was approaching him all wrong and approaches her desire to be his friend from a new and quieter angle. It works! Oona and Shark become friends!
Keli DiPucchio is becoming a favorite of mine, her variety of styles and story content lend to being approachable to anybody and I am falling in love with Oona. Just like in her first adventure, Oona had to learn a very hard lesson: not everyone responds to you in the same way. Sometimes different approaches are needed to get a response out of people with different personalities. I love how Oona, in both of her stories, has to step back and reevaluate the situation to come up with an effective solution. It is a great lesson kids need to learn and Oona does a great job of being an example to kiddos.
Oona's adventures continue as she makes friends in and out of the ocean. Determined to be friends with all those she comes in contact, Oona becomes frustrated when Shark does not respond positively or well at all to her offers for friendship; in fact, shark goes out of his way to avoid Oona. Frustration fills Oona as everyone loves her and her incredible inventions. Determined to have shark become her friend, she pushes invention after invention at him in an effort to gain his friendship, which he does not respond well to. After stepping back, evaluating the situation, and actually observing shark, she realizes she was approaching him all wrong and approaches her desire to be his friend from a new and quieter angle. It works! Oona and Shark become friends!
Keli DiPucchio is becoming a favorite of mine, her variety of styles and story content lend to being approachable to anybody and I am falling in love with Oona. Just like in her first adventure, Oona had to learn a very hard lesson: not everyone responds to you in the same way. Sometimes different approaches are needed to get a response out of people with different personalities. I love how Oona, in both of her stories, has to step back and reevaluate the situation to come up with an effective solution. It is a great lesson kids need to learn and Oona does a great job of being an example to kiddos.
July 28, 2023
I loved the first Oona book, and the second was not a let-down. The art continues to be amazing, and I love all the colors in Oona's deep sea. The best part though is the message. I love the theme of adapting to the friend instead of the friend adapting to the main character. So often in picture books, it's the extroverted main character who brings the shy new character 'out of their shell' to start the new friendship. Here, Oona learns that her normal way of making friends won't work with anyone. I know that a lot of Stanley's 'issues' are ones commonly associated with autism and neurodivergence, but this would also be a good book for parents or staff working with dramatically different personalities. As a strongly introverted kid who wasn't on the spectrum, I still related heavily to Stanley and the dislike of loud and crowded friendships. It's a good one to start talking with kids about different personalities and needs and points of view.
And it works well in a story time too. I've used it for an ocean/boat theme but it would also work for sharks, mermaids, friends... The kids responded well to asking if Stanley would like the party, etc. and if friends have to like all the same things. Very pretty artwork and cute characters wrapping up a solid message.
And it works well in a story time too. I've used it for an ocean/boat theme but it would also work for sharks, mermaids, friends... The kids responded well to asking if Stanley would like the party, etc. and if friends have to like all the same things. Very pretty artwork and cute characters wrapping up a solid message.
August 29, 2025
Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio, follows the adventures of a young mermaid named Oona. Oona loves to invent knew things using materials from the human world that she found. She enjoys sharing these with all of her friends. One day, she meets a shark named Stanley and she wants to become his friend. She tries to show him her inventions, but he wasn't interested. Oona is determined, so she continues to make bigger and louder inventions for Stanley. This only made him angry. In the end, Oona realizes that Stanley didn't like how loud everything was. So, she creates something quiet and fun for them both to do together.
I enjoyed this book because of many things. One being the illustrations, they really help immerse the readers and bring life to all of Oona's inventions. Second, I think it has a great subtle lesson that can be taught in both general education and special education. I'm unsure if this was the authors intention, but I interpreted Stanley as a person with autism who dislikes loud noises/crowded areas. I would use this book in my classroom for an interactive read aloud. I would make sure to ask guided questions as I read to help deepen my students thinking and story comprehension.
I enjoyed this book because of many things. One being the illustrations, they really help immerse the readers and bring life to all of Oona's inventions. Second, I think it has a great subtle lesson that can be taught in both general education and special education. I'm unsure if this was the authors intention, but I interpreted Stanley as a person with autism who dislikes loud noises/crowded areas. I would use this book in my classroom for an interactive read aloud. I would make sure to ask guided questions as I read to help deepen my students thinking and story comprehension.
April 5, 2022
Oona has lots of friends and she loves making new ones. Her latest is Stanley the Shark. But, truth be told... Oona is not sure the friendship is reciprocated. She likes loud, noisy things like her inventions and parties! But Stanley likes quieter things - like looking at his glass collection. Oona is stumped until she and Otto settle in for a think and ponder with the peaceful jellies floating nearby. Soon, it dawns on Oona that her activities have just been to over the top for quiet Stanley. Spying a piece of sea glass on the ocean floor gives Oona an idea and she sets out to craft an invention that she is sure will intrigue and please her new friend! But what could it be?
I shared this with my favorite four year old and she liked it! She also really liked Oona's hair - "It is so big!" I would pair this with Where is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato. Both books are great reminders that not everyone likes loud and noisy - some folks love quiet and peaceful. These two books would make great story time read alouds!
I shared this with my favorite four year old and she liked it! She also really liked Oona's hair - "It is so big!" I would pair this with Where is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato. Both books are great reminders that not everyone likes loud and noisy - some folks love quiet and peaceful. These two books would make great story time read alouds!
March 21, 2022
This is a really cute picture book about a young mermaid trying to interact with a hammerhead shark. Eventually she realizes that she may have been a tad too pushy [and loud and obnoxious and...] but she does learn her lesson, and a lot more about really trying to be a friend.
The story did have a few things that may puzzle kids, like why it's okay to be friends with some underwater creatures but view others as edibles for yourself or your friends. There's also the underwater juggling device, which really just shouldn't work. The real heart of the story is about a quiet, shy shark who just likes to collect sea shells, and who isn't into raucous goings-on, and how a loud and pushy young mermaid learns to respect that, and by the end of the story, they're sharing an activity, one which is still what the mermaid wants to do, but at least the shark seems to be having fun as well.
The story did have a few things that may puzzle kids, like why it's okay to be friends with some underwater creatures but view others as edibles for yourself or your friends. There's also the underwater juggling device, which really just shouldn't work. The real heart of the story is about a quiet, shy shark who just likes to collect sea shells, and who isn't into raucous goings-on, and how a loud and pushy young mermaid learns to respect that, and by the end of the story, they're sharing an activity, one which is still what the mermaid wants to do, but at least the shark seems to be having fun as well.
May 14, 2022
ADORABLE BOOK! The illustrations are SO lovely! I love them so much. Makes the book so freakin adorable. The hermit crabs are so cute and everything is just too cute! Very clever using the lantern fish as the mermaid's light during the night. The story is sweet and I loved it.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
To be honest I was getting annoyed how Oona wouldn't give up, but I knew that was the whole concept of the book (Oona befriending the shark somehow). I really liked how she accepted the truth that the shark wouldn't be her friend, but that she would still be magical regardless. Very important message! I loved too that the other message is that not everyone likes noises and how there are different ways to spend time together. It reminded me of sensory overload and how some people like to spend time quietly and don't enjoy loud things or parties and that's perfectly fine!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
To be honest I was getting annoyed how Oona wouldn't give up, but I knew that was the whole concept of the book (Oona befriending the shark somehow). I really liked how she accepted the truth that the shark wouldn't be her friend, but that she would still be magical regardless. Very important message! I loved too that the other message is that not everyone likes noises and how there are different ways to spend time together. It reminded me of sensory overload and how some people like to spend time quietly and don't enjoy loud things or parties and that's perfectly fine!
August 12, 2023
This friendship story about a mermaid trying to befriend a shark is quite amazing. Oona tries to make friends in ways she likes that tend to be chaotic and loud. She is an inventor and displays her skills in raucous fun-filled ways. When that does not work, she realizes that friendship that is will not change who she is and she will still be her magical friendly self. Will Oona give up on this possible new friend or will she recognize that there is another way interest the shark in an invention?
This wonderful story could be the springboard to conversations about differences and friendship. Recognizing that we don't all like the same things is a big part of our lives and perhaps will allow children to see that if one connection does not work, another might.
This wonderful story could be the springboard to conversations about differences and friendship. Recognizing that we don't all like the same things is a big part of our lives and perhaps will allow children to see that if one connection does not work, another might.
August 29, 2025
This is one of my favorite picture books I have ever read! As someone who loves sharks and ocean topics, this would be a super good book to incorporate into a science lesson or to gain more science vocabulary as well! In this book, Oona is a magical mermaid who loves everyone and everything! She then meets a new friend named Stanley. When trying to impress Stanley to be her friend, she tries very flamboyant, loud inventions to impress him to be her friend. After trying to impress Stanley, she realized all of her ways were making him angry and overstimulated. After some consideration, she then realized he liked peaceful and quiet things. She then worked to find new ways that were conscious of Stanley's needs to have fun together!
March 22, 2022
Okay, so, Oona is the best mermaid. But she can be loud and attention-seeking; she's often relentlessly doing or making. Shark isn't any of those things. Shark doesn't want noise, people, parties, or stuff. Oona tries everything to make Shark her friend, until she stops and *thinks* about Shark--and that's when Oona makes real magic.
Just, ahhhhhhhh I love the illustrations and the story and it makes me so happy that picture books for all types of children exist. This is the one for the neurodivergent children most especially, and children who may need to consider other ways of existing in the world more broadly.
Just, ahhhhhhhh I love the illustrations and the story and it makes me so happy that picture books for all types of children exist. This is the one for the neurodivergent children most especially, and children who may need to consider other ways of existing in the world more broadly.
November 13, 2022
Challenges: Shark Week July 2022; Reading Goal Posts/Stacking the Series - Priority Five/New series started in 2022. Oona is an exuberant and inventive little mermaid. Her enthusiasm has no bounds until she realizes that her passions can be quieted while around others who lead quieter or more introspective lives. She finds that she has a lot in common with a shark whose interests intersect hers, yet who goes about expressing that passion in another way. A great book for parents to guide children toward understanding differences in personalities and approaches to life. Again, mysterious and magical illustrations by Raissa Figueroa enhance the charm of this story.
August 4, 2023
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I enjoyed this one more than the first book. As with the first one, Figueroa's illustrations are fantastic. It was really fun to see all of Oona's inventions and I loved all of the unique details included.
In this one, Oona attempts to befriend a quiet shark. Nice way to normalize those who enjoy quiet and calm. Works well for talking about sensory sensitivities, how to respect others, and that being quiet can also be fun.
I enjoyed this one more than the first book. As with the first one, Figueroa's illustrations are fantastic. It was really fun to see all of Oona's inventions and I loved all of the unique details included.
In this one, Oona attempts to befriend a quiet shark. Nice way to normalize those who enjoy quiet and calm. Works well for talking about sensory sensitivities, how to respect others, and that being quiet can also be fun.
February 24, 2024
Oona is an inventer mermaid in this one. She is very friendly and tries to befriend a shark. Everything she tries doesn't work. The shark doesn't like loud and lots of people around. It takes Oona most of the book to recognize this. Finally, she figures out something the quiet shark would like to do and she comes over to play with her quietly and they have fun. Extroverts are so wonderful when they reach out.
The artwork is lovely here.
I still think this story suffers from the narrator telling everything. Oona has no dialogue and the story feels muted due to it.
The artwork is lovely here.
I still think this story suffers from the narrator telling everything. Oona has no dialogue and the story feels muted due to it.
April 13, 2022
Oona the mermaid is back in this follow up to the first story, entitled "Oona". Oona loves to make friends but everything she does to befriend a shark seems to fail. Oona slowly begins to realize that Shark doesn't like loud noises, so she creates an activity that is quieter and one that he is willing to participate in. Recognizing that not everyone responds the same to various happenings is how children learn empathy and understanding of how each one of us is different.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews