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The Shark King: Toon Books Level 3 (2012)

by R. Kikuo Johnson(Favorite Author)

3.56 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1935179160 (ISBN13: 9781935179160)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Toon Books

review 1: This graphic representation of an old Hawaiian folktale is designed for beginning readers. I think it would be especially appealing to boys since the story focuses on the shark king and his son, Nanaue. Nanaue is the progeny of a human woman and the shark king who can change into a human or other creature at will. His son inherits some of those magical powers and has a fin that emerges out of his back along with a superb swimming ability. Like many children in myth, Nanaue grows up much faster than most children and seems to have almost superhero powers. At the end of the book he has to dive into the sea to escape angry villagers and thus is reunited with his father the shark king. The text is very limited with most of the pages filled with simple graphic images. The use o... moref word bubbles and other conventions of comic books helps beginning readers know who is speaking. The illustrations show what is happening and reinforce what is happening in the story.I see this as a book better geared to the individual reader than a read aloud. According to the Level guide in the back, this book is designed for advanced beginners in grades 2-3. I like the inclusion of reading tips for parents and teachers. A lot of adults assume comic books and graphic novels don’t teach literacy so the tips at the end are a helpful way to make the point that comics indeed help kids read, and think. I think kids will enjoy reading this book, especially boys.
review 2: Beautifully illustrated and I loved the Hawaiian setting, but I had a hard time with the overall ending. It seemed to be themed on males leaving the household because they did not fit into the "main world." From husband separation to the later, mother-son separation, the wife (mother) seemed all to understanding of the men in her life parting ways, and leaving her behind. Perhaps this is a too literal understanding of the book, but it was a bit shocking for me. less

Download links for: The Shark King: Toon Books Level 3

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