Shark vs. Train

A fun story that I'm sure could be used to teach compare and contrast with Venn diagrams. It was silly and practical at the same time, not unlike a Demitri Martin joke. ( )

With its amusing tale of competition between a shark and a train - really a toy shark and toy train, wielded by two enthusiastic young boys - this entertaining picture-book captures the joy of imaginary play, particularly the imaginary play of young boys. The ornery shark and cantankerous train try their hand at everything from eating pies to offering rides at a carnival, alternately triumphing over one another, while exchanging sarcastic remarks. Will the train emerge victorious at the end, or will his selachian rival rise to the occasion?

Does it matter? The fun in Shark Vs. Train is in the play itself, something author Chris Barton and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld obviously understand, judging by both narrative and artwork. The tone here is light, with plenty of amusing asides, as Shark and Train mutter to themselves, or challenge one another, and the illustrations are amusing. I loved the alternately pleased and chagrined expressions on the faces of the two competitors! I try to avoid labeling books as being exclusively for either boys or girls, but while I do think this is a tale that girls too will enjoy, it definitely has quite a bit of "boy appeal." Very funny, and lots of fun! ( )

This book is good for cause and effect, and for students that are not very interested in reading. Students love it because it tell the story through dialogue like a comic strip. ( )

Fun! ( )

I was a little confused by the concept at first, but once I started reading it, I really enjoyed it. ( )