Module 6 - Shark vs. Train by

 Bibliography:

Barton, Chris, and Tom Lichtenheld. (2010). Shark vs. Train. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN:9780316007627

Summary:

As play time ensues between two young boys, they dig into the toy chest. One comes up with a train and the other a shark. From then until lunch time it is epic battle after epic battle. The settings change each time, giving the upper-hand to either the train or the shark depending on the setting, or sometimes neither. Shark takes the first win in the ocean but train comes back and beats him on the tracks. Shark can not roast marshmallows, but then train doesn't do well at trick-or-treating. Train wins at burping and shark wins at diving. Train stands on all its boxcars to win at basketball, while shark dominates at bowling. Selling lemonade proves to be difficult for shark in the ocean, and staying up in a hot air balloon proves impossible for the heavy train. But, then there are things that neither the shark or the train can win, such as playing hide-and-seek, playing the piano, and my personal favorite, playing video games with no thumbs. The battles continue until finally the boys are called for lunch and shark and train are put back into the toy chest, each taunting the other for next time.

Impressions:

I absolutely love this book! I work in the library and have shelved this book quite a few times, but had never checked it out before even though it was a 2x2 winner. But now I can see why. This book made me laugh out loud, and I think any person at any age would love it, especially children. The story is very fun and hilarious! The various scenarios are so random and entertaining. Not only that, but the illustrations are great! They make the book as funny as it is with the train and shark's facial expressions and the colorful settings. The book is very imaginative, just like a child's imagination when playing with toys. It illustrates child's play perfectly! Simply put, this book is brilliant and very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable.

Reviews:
"Energetic cartoon illustrations take full advantage of the visual possibilities. Creative use of page space and perspectives gives a fresh look to each new battle. Just-right facial expressions capture the distinct personalities of the two competitors, including an evil grin from Shark at the Ping-Pong table and Train's uneasy look during a disastrous piano recital. Subtler visual details add to the humor, including a shark-jumping Fonzie reference that adults will appreciate. This inspired pairing, executed with ingenuity and packed with action and humor, is a sure winner."

Engelfried, Steven (April 1, 2010). Library Journals LLC [Review of the book Shark vs. Train.]. School Library Journal. Available from booksinprint.com

"Barton's imaginative and wacky scenarios are knocked home by Lichtenheld's ferociously funny artwork and will leave kids measuring up their dump truck and T-Rex for the next tale of the tape."

Chipman, Ian. (April 15, 2010). American Library Association [Review of the book Shark vs. Train.]. Booklist. Available from booksinprint.com

Suggestions For Use:

 Kids could have a lot of fun with this book! I think it would be great to read it aloud, having the kids explain each scenario. For example, having them explain why a shark would win the dive contest, or the train would win selling lemonade. After story time, the kids could create their own scenarios with toys brought in just for this purpose. Each kid could pick out a "warrior" and pair up with another to have their own unique contests based on the settings they choose, taking turns choosing settings which would allow their warrior to win. At the end would be the time to encourage them to share any clever or funny scenarios that they created.