Surprise Shark

Surprise Shark by Sarah Lane and Patrick Corrigan (Affirm Press) RRP: $22.99 ISBN 9781922992826

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

It isn't really a surprise that sharks don't find it easy to make friends. Others tend to think "frightening" rather than "friendly" when they see them. But ... sharks have feelings too and maybe sharks just want to have fun.

This is a rhyming picture book which starts in the ocean and our shark unexpectedly pops up. Then it brings us to many places that you wouldn't naturally think of for a shark - parties, islands, outer space ... with a simple theme - our shark finds it difficult to make friends and needs to find a solution. What could it be?

The answer doesn't seem to be trying a zillion different places and approaching more possible friends, because that's not working.

The pictures in this book illustrate the "surprise shark" and all the different environments beautifully with bright colours and expressive animal faces. The structure of both the verse and the story overall gives the book a lovely rhythm and would make it fun to read with kids, where they can anticipate beats to the story and enjoy the ride.

It's a good story of unlikely friendship with a huge dollop of humour and absurdity.