Module 6- SLIS 5420

Shark Vs. Train
By Chris Barton

Barton, C. (2010). Shark vs. Train. New York, NY: Little, Brown.

Summary

Shark and Train are fierce competitors as they begin a contest that involves countless events, such as high-diving and carnival rides. This is a witty and humorous story with wonderful pictures depicting all the zany things that Shark and Train compete in to determine who is the best. There are some obvious choices for the winner, as well as some wacky, not-so-obvious ones. In the end, the contest must be continued later as the reader discovers that these were simply two toys being operated by some young boys having fun.

Impressions

This book is fun and colorful, and I can speak from personal experience that the children love it! This was chosen by my campus as the favorite book from the 2x2 list for this year. I enjoyed the humor, as did the students, and the sometimes-random contests that Shark and Train endured. This is one of those books that appeals to readers of all ages, which is a great attribute for a picture book.

Reviews

This clever picture book asks readers to ponder that age-old philosophical question: if a shark is pitted against a train, which would win? Well, it turns out that the answer depends on the contest. Barton's deadpan text—sparked with dialogue balloons that give the characters both personality and one-liners—is matched by Lichtenheld's spot-on visual humor.

Philpot, C.H. (2010). Shark vs. Train. Horn Book Magazine, 86(4), 85-86.

The cleverly chosen contests reflect the imaginative powers of kids while retaining the consistent logic that's also essential to play. The notion of a shark and a train trying to be quiet in a library is absurd, for example, but the reasons why neither would succeed make perfect sense. Energetic cartoon illustrations take full advantage of the visual possibilities. Creative use of page space and perspectives gives a fresh look to each new battle. This inspired pairing, executed with ingenuity and packed with action and humor, is a sure winner.

Engelfried, S. (2010). Shark vs. Train. School Library Journal, 56(4), 120.

Suggestions for Use

As you read the story aloud, discuss each “event” that Shark and Train are competing in and why the winner has an advantage. Then have students brainstorm to come up with ideas for two different competitors that we could use to create our own story of competition. After brainstorming and selecting two competitors from the list, have students create their own page of the book by choosing an event and drawing a picture to go with it (and adding words, if desired). Compile all the pages into one class “Versus” book.