Lark the Shark

Product Information

When Clark the Shark discovers that rhymes help him "Stay cool", he gives many examples like "When teacher's talking, don't go walking" and "Only munch your own lunch". These fun little sayings could be used to teach students about rhyming and help them come up with their own rhymes!

An eco-minded Redbridge school student who published a book about a friendly litter clearing shark is hoping his story will inspire people to start the New Year by joining green initiatives in the borough. This could then lead on to some written activities like making up their own rhymes, including illustrations. They could do this either independently, in pairs or in groups. A serious book addict, Bruce wanted to be a children's book author since he was in 4th grade (right after he got over wanting to be a pirate, Tarzan, and Daniel Boone). Today he's the author-illustrator of over 70 seriously funny books for kids, so some dreams do come true.

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Clark the Shark is nervous to be sleeping outside for his first sleepover with his friends. His rhyme helps him stay cool: “Take heart, be smart, sharks aren’t afraid of the dark.” But while telling scary stories his friends make a revelation of their own. Does sharing your fears help? As well as classroom rules and feelings, a teacher upon reading this book, might what to pause to pose questions about characterisation, illustrations and other elements key to their learning such as whether Clark was being a good friend? How did he try to behave himself eventually? As Clark tried to control himself using rhyme, this could lead pupils onto the identification of rhymes throughout the story: Okey dokey. I must confess that I actually watched this as a video on YouTube, mainly because Chris Pine was reading it! :D (Chris Pine is one of my favourite actors.) I did actually enjoy this story, which was about a shark who's very rowdy and over-enthusiastic in his school-classes. The moral of the story is, that you can enjoy things but you must show consideration towards others and their feelings. (I think a lot of people, adults included, could learn a lot from this tale to be honest, hehe.)

This book could be for any age group. The book contains an important theme of friendship and facing your fears. The book contains colorful illustrations along with a sweet story that contains onomatopoeia and rhyming. Again the authors challenge certain misperceptions we may hold. Sharks are often ‘given a bad name’– but most are no threat to us (unlike humans can be to them). They form a vital part of underwater ecosystems. Lark has a kind, caring nature, and is surrounded by caring friends who just want to give him a lovely surprise. And while Wonda may be a killer whale, she is utterly adorable! Get your copy! Henry Newman from Clore Tikva Primary School, in Ilford, co-wrote ‘Lark the Shark’ with his mum Natalie, after being inspired by his school homework about pollution.I can relate to this book because I too was scared of the dark when I was young. I always had my night light and was scared to sleep without it. Sometime during the night I would wake up and be scared and even run and jump into bed with my mom and dad. But just like Clark, I eventually overcame my fear. The main themes of this book are self control, friendship, and good behavior. Clark has some impulse control issues, but with the help of his teacher, he is able to reign his energy in and become a better student and friend to his classmates. The dynamic duo, Natalie Newman and her son Henry Newman have made waves in the children's book industry with their delightful and engaging " Lark the Shark" series. The books have been featured on the popular BBC News children's program, Newsround. The feature highlighted the Newman duo's passion for writing and the inspiration behind their lovable protagonist, Lark the Shark. Read the full feature here. The young author and avid recycler said: “I wrote the book to highlight pollution in the sea, but whether it’s on land or water – there are lots of things we can all do to look after the environment. Even things like making sure we recycle as much as we can makes a difference.