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Clark the Shark and the School Sing

by Bruce Hale (text) & illus. by Guy Francis
HarperAlley. (Clark the Shark). Jun. 2021. 32p. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062912572; pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780062912565.
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PreS-Gr 2–Clark the Shark makes a winning graphic novel debut. Second grader Clark arrives at school excited about the School Sing. All goes well with rehearsals until his teacher informs the class that dance moves will be added to the performance. Clark quickly realizes that, unlike his fish classmates, he cannot sing and dance at the same time. Though frustrated at first, Clark keeps practicing up until the big performance. When an ensemble case of stage fright takes hold, it is Clark’s outgoing personality that saves the day for him and his fish classmates. Large comic book blocks move the action along with some double-page spreads. Bold colors depicting the hues of Clark’s saltwater fish pals and crisp dialogue boxes combine for a simple story that will be accessible to early readers.
VERDICT A satisfying beginner comic book set in an underwater school with themes of perseverance and teamwork (happily, Clark seems to have no interest in eating his classmates!).
Reviewed by Elisabeth ­LeBris, ­Kenilworth SD 38, Winnetka, IL , May 01, 2021

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