The Boy & The Shark

The Boy & The Shark (Affirm Press) Cate James PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781923419162

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Cate James is an illustrator, artist and author from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She originally hails from Scotland and loves our sunshine. She has illustrated more than 40 books across Australia, the UK and the US.  This is her debut book as an author-illustrator.  

William is desperate to escape from his sister’s noisy birthday party, so he decides to find a shark and see if sharks don’t like parties too. 

Cate James has created an engaging narrative that blends William’s ordinary world with his imaginary ocean quest to find a shark. The narrative has a clear problem that captures William’s love of sharks. ‘I bet sharks don’t like parties,’ said William. ‘Absolutely, no parties at all.’ William decides to find a shark to answer his question. He ventures bravely and confidently into the ocean.  Can you help me find a shark? Along the way, he meets sea creatures who fear sharks more than him. The dialogue shows the other creatures' fear of sharks, creating tension and anticipation.  I’m sure a shark would love to eat – I mean, meet you. Even being tangled in an octopus does not seem to faze William.

I think it is because he is really in control of the narrative. The story tends to be quieter and more reflective rather than high-stakes action. The repeated refrain So William swam on shows character determination and enhances its read-aloud appeal. What upsets William most is the thought of never finding a shark.

My favourite part of the story is the double-page spread when they finally meet unexpectedly. And found…A shark, wonder, and awe are there. The page turns feel natural and inviting. William and the shark play until William is tired, and he decides to go home. This reminds me of Where the Wild Things Are. As a character, William remains true to himself, though he does not change much. I love that he sees sharks as friends, and they are in this story. The narrative voice speaks directly to a child.                                                

Cate James’ illustrations are a real standout. Her work is unique and eye-catching. Bright, cartoon-like, the visuals create emotion and wonderful storytelling. The front cover is striking and attention-grabbing. On a blue background with a white title, the shark is centred at the top and at the bottom, with the top half of its body pointing up at William. It looks friendly, but you are not sure, so you want to open the book.

I love the endpapers with the childlike shark drawings. I can see children trying to draw their own sharks. Once inside the book, the atmospheric illustrations are really engaging, using different dimensions, detail, light and shade, and perspective. The visuals darken when it seems scarier and then lighten again when they meet and play. In the opening spreads, the message is clear: William really does not like the birthday party. He is happiest in the ocean with the shark. This book is joyful and visually appealing.

The Boy & The Shark is a picture book for those who love the ocean and sharks and want to escape a birthday party. The end of the story leaves young readers wondering if William really did meet a shark. This is wonderful for both the child and the adult reading the story to discuss. This book is for children ages 4-8 who really do wonder about and imagine such things. The themes are perfect for teachers to use this book in the classroom, and parents who want a fun, playful read.