Clark the Shark Loves Christmas by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis - ADVISABLE

 Hale, Bruce.  Clark the Shark Loves Christmas, illustrated by Guy Francis.  Harper, 2016.  $17.99.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.

Clark the Shark loves decorations, Christmas cookies, and singing carols.  His teacher, Mrs. Inkydink tells them about being a secret Santa.  They all pick a name and buy a present for that person.  Clark is so excited for his present and he likes the mystery too.  He spies in his friend’s desks for clues.  He tries to trick them into telling him if they’re his secret Santa.  It’s the last day before they open presents and Clark realizes that he hasn’t bought anything for Benny.  That he hasn’t been a very good secret Santa, because he only thought of himself.  He spent all of his money on the latest comic book, so he gives that to Benny.  Luckily, Benny loves it.  And Clark’s secret Santa gives him a comic too.  Clark realizes that giving from the heart is the best part of Christmas.

Even though Clark is a shark, he is very relatable to young children who are excited for their own Christmas presents.  Clark’s character development and ultimate realization about Christmas is perfectly age-appropriate for the audience.  The under-water illustrations are bright, fun, and extremely fishy.   

Pre-K, EL-ADVISABLE.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.