Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale (review)

There's at least one in every class: the kid who expresses his boundless enthusiasm for life a little too physically. Clark, a robust shark in a red and white striped shirt and crimson ball cap, is that kid at Theodore Roosterfish Elementary under the sea. Eventually his overeager responses to lessons, recess, and lunch alienate his smaller friends and vex his teacher, who reminds him that the rule is "Keep cool." Clark finally discovers that making up a rhyme (such as "Easy does it, that's the way.// Then my friends will let me play") each time he's tempted to get physical will help him pause and remember. This is heavy on the didacticism, and kids who, like Clark, struggle with self-control won't find much in the way of concrete advice other than in the catchy rhymes that Clark creates. Still, many youngsters will recognize themselves or classmates in Clark, the various school situations presented will offer plenty of fodder for discussion, and the ocean-themed setting will appeal to many primary-graders. Francis' lively scenes of underwater classroom life (including Clark sending best bud Joey Mackerel—wide-eyed and open-mouthed in terror—sailing a little too high on the swings) are engaging and humorous. The watery, slightly subdued tones of the backgrounds are pepped up with pops of brighter color, such as Clark's red clothing accents. This piscatorial parable lacks subtlety, but teachers who struggle to help Clarks each year may find this a useful way to reinforce the notion of restraint.