About the Holiday

What’s your definition of fun? Is it going new places? Meeting new people? Laughing with friends? Getting in on the latest trend—or setting one of your own? If it’s one—or all—of these, you’ve just described reading! This week is dedicated to discovering the enjoyment that delving into a great book can bring at any age! To celebrate, stock up on books old and new and have fun reading!

Misunderstood Shark

Written by Ame Dyckman | Illustrated by Scott Magoon

The camera crew is ready, the sound engineer is holding the mic, and the director is counting down to the snap of the clapper for the latest episode of Underwater World with Bob. Bob is holding his own against the current, poised to begin his monologue. The show goes live, and Bob, smiling at the people, is about to announce some fun facts when…Shark!…the broadcast is interrupted by the sharp teeth and wave-slicing fin of a Great White.

Image copyright Scott Magoon, 2018, text copyright Ame Dyckman, 2018. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Shark is just about to gulp down a little gold fish when Bob alerts him to the people watching. “‘The PEOPLE can see me?’” Shark says, a starlit glint in his eyes. Understanding the pulse of the audience, Shark offers, “‘You misunderstood! I wasn’t going to eat him.’” It seems Shark just wanted to show off his new pearly white. The consummate host, Bob uses this diversion to his advantage and reveals a Fun Fact about a shark’s tremendous dental abilities.

Image copyright Scott Magoon, 2018, text copyright Ame Dyckman, 2018. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Bob’s even willing to include this interloper in his show—kind of a Shark-on-the-sea type of interview—but when he looks, he discovers Shark zooming toward the surface and an unsuspecting baby seal, fangs at the ready. Bob shouts to leave the baby seal alone in front of the people, and, again, it seems Bob has misunderstood Shark. He has the seal gripped so tightly only because he’s taking her back home. This brings up another Fun Fact about a shark’s dining habits from Bob and a corny joke from the sound engineer.

Bob is humble enough to admit he may have been wrong—yet again—about Shark, but Shark has disappeared and his following his nose to…. Bob hurries after Shark in pursuit of his exclusive and the answer to the burning question “‘What do you smell, Shark?’” but Shark is on a mission to find the source of the red stuff tinting the water. Bob pops up with another Fun Fact, but his crew is scrambling to get out of the way.

Copyright Scott Magoon, 2018, courtesy of scottmagoon.com.

With Shark zeroing in on his human target, Bob drops his mic, throws out two tentacles and tries to stop him” “‘Nooo, Shark! Don’t eat the people—IN FRONT OF THE PEOPLE!’” But Shark is nothing if not a performer, and once again he’s been misunderstood. He only wanted to help. Now there’s chaos on the beach—screaming and running—but Shark is mystified. Then he breaks out in tears. No one, it seems, understands. 

Bob uses this touching moment to tell his audience that “you’re actually thousands of times more likely to be bitten by another person than bitten by a shark.’” Shark now needs a hug, and Bob obliges. Awww…so sweet! But, wait! Shark is a shark, and he just can’t help himself. And Bob? He’s suddenly got the inside scoop, but he rolls with it—after all, the show must go on!

Copyright Scott Magoon, 2018, courtesy of scottmagoon.com.

I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me! Ame Dyckman’s hilarious fish tale will have kids rolling with laughter as the show Underwater World with Bob goes awry when a wily shark works the audience to gain sympathy and, ultimately, a little snack. The wise-cracking production crew adds to the freewheeling fun with jokes and humorous asides. As Bob maintains his professional composure amid the chaos, readers learn some fascinating shark facts and can’t be faulted for hoping Shark is at least nominated for an Emmy. Kids of all ages will love shouting along with the frightened crew as much as they enjoy echoing Shark’s reassuring phrase.

Copyright Scott Magoon, 2018, courtesy of scottmagoon.com.

Scott Magoon is a master at eliciting a vast array of emotions from his cartoony characters. Jellyfish Bob is at turns professional, upbeat, disgruntled, apologetic, suspicious, and taken in with just a few touches to his eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Likewise, the squid crew react to the ever-changing set with aplomb while also sharing their disbelief and some funny banter. Magoon’s stocky Shark, however, is the star of the show with his innocent guise and not-so-hidden ambitions. The histrionic waterworks at the end will tickle kids, and Bob’s resigned tip of the hat is the perfect send off to this fintasticly funny story. Magoon’s periodic shift from the ocean backdrop to the “audience at home” puts readers front and center to all the action.

Misunderstood Shark is must summer reading (dynamic readings are sure to inspire pool and beach fun), and the book would be a much-asked-for addition to home bookshelves now and classroom libraries for the fall.

Ages 3 – 7

Orchard Books, 2018 | ISBN 978-1338112474

Discover more about Ame Dyckman and her books on her website.

To learn more about Scott Magoon, his books, and his art, visit his website.

Swim on over and watch the Misunderstood Shark book trailer!

Misunderstood Shark Giveaway

I’m excited to partner with Orchard Books, Scholastic, Inc. in this giveaway of

• One copy of Misunderstood Shark  by Ame Dyckman and Scott Magoon

To be entered to win, just Follow me on Twitter @CelebratePicBks and Retweet a giveaway tweet during this week, May 14 – May 21. Already a follower? Thanks! Just  Retweet for a chance to win.

A winner will be chosen on May 22.

Giveaways open to US addresses only. | Prizing provided by Scholastic, Inc.

Reading Is Fun Month Activity

Book-Loving Shark Maze

This shark loves to read! In fact, she wants to devour that whole stack of books. Can you help her cross the sea to get them in this printable puzzle?

Book-Loving Shark Maze | Book-Loving Shark Maze Solution

You can find Misunderstood Shark at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Picture Book Review