Clark the Shark

PreS-Gr 2—Clark loves everything about his life at Theodore Roosterfish Elementary, but his supersize enthusiasm is hard for the other fish to handle. Besides being the biggest and strongest, he is also too loud during reading time, too hungry during lunch, and too rough during recess. Even his best friend, Joey Mackerel, says, "Cool your jets, Clark! You're making me crazy!" When no one wants to sit with him, eat with him, or play with him, he goes to his teacher for help. Mrs. Inkydink reminds him that the rule is to stay cool, which rhymes. By turning rules into rhymes, Clark tones down his behavior just in time to help Sid the Squid, an oversize new student with some of the same problems. This undersea school in the hulk of a sunken ship features an assortment of sea creatures learning important lessons from their octopus teacher. Clark is never a bully, just a big kid with boisterous behavior issues, which is an important distinction in these bully-conscious times. The full-color artwork in a cartoon style is pleasant and fun.—Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN