Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton

[katekintailbc]

Shark vs. Train
by Chris Barton

This might just be my new favorite book!

heehee Really, this was a super adorable book I ran across when doing the picklist at the library. The cover and title made me curious. How could this match-up be possible? So I flipped through the book and was at one entranced by it. I gave it a read and then proceeded to tell everyone about the book. LOL

The book is all about a Shark and a Train engaging in a series of competitions to find out who will win. It starts off innocently. Who is the better swimmer? The shark, of course. Who is better at roasting marshmallows? The train has a built-in smokestack.

And then it gets a little silly. Who runs a better lemonade stand? Not the shark-the scubadiver says his are too watery. Who is better at eating pies? Trains don't exactly eat.

Then it progresses into games where one sets up the advantage. The shark marks playing cards. The train picks train-themed board games.

And it gets awesome when they start playing games NEITHER is good at. Sword fights on a tightrope. Piano recitals. And my favorite: video game playing.

I was surprised and delighted at the "twist" at the end of the book. I didn't see it coming. And why didn't I see it coming? I'd accidentally skipped the first 2 pages where the story was set up. I happen to think that skipping those pages so it's a surprise at the end makes for a MUCH more enjoyable reading experience and a much more clever book. So, if you run into this book, please glue the first 2 pages down, so the book starts on the title page. Trust me. Kids would thank you for it.

I especially loved all the little "in" jokes like the Star Wars reference when they're in space and the Happy Days reference on the shark jumping page. There are fun little details like that to catch an adult's attention. I appreciate those.

If you're a kid at heart or just have a kid in your family, you've got to check this book out. I am looking forward to sharing it with my BookCrossing friends!