"Shark vs Train. Who will win?
Well, that depends on if they're...
in the ocean...
or on the railroad tracks."
People often ask me about my favorite book...and I have no answer for them. I can tell them some of the titles that are among my favorites; but, since I am always reading new books of all kinds for toddlers to young adults, that list is in constant flux. Lucky we are to live at a time when so many brilliant writers and artists are sharing those talents in the pages of books for young people. I have added a new favorite to that list this week with the arrival of Shark vs Train! I shared it in a grade ten English class yesterday and they were hooting. Of course, standing at the front of the room where many don't get to see the hilarious art and speech bubbles is not perfect. I will share it wherever I go this spring and summer. It is a book that needs to be pored over. There is so much to see!
A stuffed toy box graces the endpapers...sounds emanate from each side of the page and the shark and train are visible. As two boys rush to the box, toss what they don't want and choose what they do, we get an inkling of what's to come. Or so we think! In fact, the story becomes a contest between a trash-talking shark and challenge-spewing train! Winning depends on the circumstance and they become increasingly ridiculous! Who wins in the ocean? Who on a train track? That is simply answered! But what about a seesaw, and a hot air balloon? And then, there is the pie eating contest vs the burping contest! Who might win the high dive? And who will get more customers at the carnival rides...the shark tank or the train? The boys are no longer part of any contest...it is all shark vs train and it is a laugh riot. When lunch is called, we are back to the reality of the situation and the toys are left hurling challenges for the next time.
This is one of those books where text and art are a perfect match! Fans will pore over page after page, reveling in the expressive cartoon-like images while guffawing at the contests suggested. What a great gift, and addition to a child's library...go out and get it!
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