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Clark the Shark
Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report
Be bold, be smart, and speak from the heart! Clark the Shark is ready to present his book report to the class. But at the last minute, Clark gets stage fright and clams up in front of everybody. With a little help from his teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, will Clark be able to overcome his fears? With easy-to-read text and Clark’s trademark rhymes, this shark tale will prepare beginning readers to take a big bite out of reading! Also included are Clark the Shark’s Bite-Sized Facts, real facts on shark communication, behavior, and more! Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report is a Level One I Can Read, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.
32 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
27 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Hale
115 books132 followersA 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.
The Malted Falcon, one of his Chet Gecko Mysteries series, was an Edgar Award finalist, and Murder, My Tweet won a Little D Award for Juvenile Humor Writing. Bruce has written everything from picture books and easy readers, to graphic novels and novels.
Bruce's recent Monstertown Mysteries series blends horror and humor, based on his childhood love of monster movies. His other series include Class Pets, about the secret lives of classroom pets, and the forthcoming Outerspace Mystery Pizza Club books, due in 2024.
A Fulbright Scholar (in Storytelling), Bruce is also a popular speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and knuckleheaded dog Riley. When he's not writing or reading, you may find him hiking, kickboxing, or singing with a latin-jazz band called Mezcal Martini.
The Malted Falcon, one of his Chet Gecko Mysteries series, was an Edgar Award finalist, and Murder, My Tweet won a Little D Award for Juvenile Humor Writing. Bruce has written everything from picture books and easy readers, to graphic novels and novels.
Bruce's recent Monstertown Mysteries series blends horror and humor, based on his childhood love of monster movies. His other series include Class Pets, about the secret lives of classroom pets, and the forthcoming Outerspace Mystery Pizza Club books, due in 2024.
A Fulbright Scholar (in Storytelling), Bruce is also a popular speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and knuckleheaded dog Riley. When he's not writing or reading, you may find him hiking, kickboxing, or singing with a latin-jazz band called Mezcal Martini.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 13, 2020
Featured in today's grandma reads session.
They had us at "Clark the Shark"! Who doesn't love that name. He could do anything at this point and the kids are entertained. This picture books covers that big moment when the presentation you've worked on forever, with all kinds of extra materials, spread charts, power points and marketing materials goes sideways and you forget how it starts and what you were going to say and your mouth is full of cotton. Ok, so that's the grownup version of what happens to Clark. He's actually doing the kid version, a book report.
The kids got it. . . .and the teacher's message? Keep calm and carry on. . . just anything will do and at some point all that you worked on will kick in. So keep on. And if you are the audience being presented to, be kind, patient and supportive - because one day this could be you!
3 stars!
They had us at "Clark the Shark"! Who doesn't love that name. He could do anything at this point and the kids are entertained. This picture books covers that big moment when the presentation you've worked on forever, with all kinds of extra materials, spread charts, power points and marketing materials goes sideways and you forget how it starts and what you were going to say and your mouth is full of cotton. Ok, so that's the grownup version of what happens to Clark. He's actually doing the kid version, a book report.
The kids got it. . . .and the teacher's message? Keep calm and carry on. . . just anything will do and at some point all that you worked on will kick in. So keep on. And if you are the audience being presented to, be kind, patient and supportive - because one day this could be you!
3 stars!
December 11, 2017
Hale, Bruce. Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report, illustrated by Guy Francis. 32 pages. Harper Collins Children’s, 2017. $16.99. Content: G. EARLY READER.
Clark the Shark is super excited for his book report. His friend asks him if he’s nervous and he says he isn’t. He comes up with a great joke about the book and makes a great cover for his report. But when the moment comes to give his book report, his mind goes blank. His teacher tells him to speak from his heart—it isn’t perfect, but his classmates all enjoyed it.
The publisher, Harper Collins, labeled this as an I Can Read, Level 1 book. Level 1 is “simple sentences for eager new readers.” Clark the Shark has many books and this one shines in the early reader section for having a strong character and storyline. Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report will appeal to old fans and new ones.
EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Clark the Shark is super excited for his book report. His friend asks him if he’s nervous and he says he isn’t. He comes up with a great joke about the book and makes a great cover for his report. But when the moment comes to give his book report, his mind goes blank. His teacher tells him to speak from his heart—it isn’t perfect, but his classmates all enjoyed it.
The publisher, Harper Collins, labeled this as an I Can Read, Level 1 book. Level 1 is “simple sentences for eager new readers.” Clark the Shark has many books and this one shines in the early reader section for having a strong character and storyline. Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report will appeal to old fans and new ones.
EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
August 21, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
A nice little book about public speaking and how to work through difficult situations. This is the first Clark the Shark book I have read. I enjoyed it and liked the characters.
This is a level 1 book, which uses simple sentences, basic words, and easy concepts.
I liked the illustrations. They are silly and fun.
I also liked how supportive the other characters were, although the solution to the problem seemed a little too simple. It was a little vague whether Clark had stage fright or if he just forgot what he was supposed to say. They text says he had a "brain freeze" and was "tongue-tied", but it was unclear if this was because he was nervous or something else. He gets some words of encouragement, then "his mind was clear again". Kind of vague. Not sure what the problem actually was, but the solution was a bit simple and probably not all that helpful in real life situations.
Regardless, I liked the book and enjoyed the shark facts at the end.
A nice little book about public speaking and how to work through difficult situations. This is the first Clark the Shark book I have read. I enjoyed it and liked the characters.
This is a level 1 book, which uses simple sentences, basic words, and easy concepts.
I liked the illustrations. They are silly and fun.
I also liked how supportive the other characters were, although the solution to the problem seemed a little too simple. It was a little vague whether Clark had stage fright or if he just forgot what he was supposed to say. They text says he had a "brain freeze" and was "tongue-tied", but it was unclear if this was because he was nervous or something else. He gets some words of encouragement, then "his mind was clear again". Kind of vague. Not sure what the problem actually was, but the solution was a bit simple and probably not all that helpful in real life situations.
Regardless, I liked the book and enjoyed the shark facts at the end.
November 22, 2024
As a read aloud book, it’s a short but sweet story about dealing with a fear of public speaking. Clark the Shark is well prepared for his oral book report, until he gets “stage fright.” But he deals with it in a healthy way, so 4 stars for plot and illustrations. My main issue with this book is how it’s labeled as a level 1 early reader. How is this considered to be an easy read for beginner readers, with words like “Inkydink” and “mackerel” sprinkled throughout?! This is a HUGE pet peeve for me, as a homeschooling mom who is desperately trying to build some independent reading confidence in my kids. Is it really too much to ask, to have an early reader that can be appealing and not filled with three syllable words, or words that aren’t filled with tricker phonics that may not have been learned with? 2 stars for actually fulfilling its stated purpose. Aside from “See the Cat: Three Stories About A Dog”, Dr. Seuss, and the books written for our reading curriculum, guess I’ll have to keep looking for supplemental reading practice material.
September 10, 2020
This was a cute story with illustrations that I consider very cute and age appropriate. It was about a shark who was eager to give his book report until it was time to present. His mind then went blank, and his teacher said this phrase that I think is so cute, “Be bold, be smart, and speak from the heart”. It showed many ways that people feel about presenting but i think that this book could help with that in real life. I think that this would be a cute book to read to a young class, especially if they are doing mini presentations in school because everyone gets nervous, even the most confident!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2019
My Review: This was a great book for those young readers heading back to school and who may have to give a report in front of the whole class. It was easy to read with simple sentences and a lot of sight words. The story was interesting and with the familiar Clark the Shark characters. It was great to see a character be so confident in their work but then struggle once in front of the class, it can happen to the most outgoing of kids. Munchkin really enjoys Clark the Shark and relates to a lot of the struggles that Clark comes across, including this one.
July 23, 2021
In their underwater school, Mrs. Inkydink assigned her students book reports to present to the class, and all except Clark the shark were anxious about it. He knew his was going to be perfect. When the day came to give reports, Clark opened his mouth to start his, and he couldn't remember what came next! Mrs. Inkydink encourages him by saying, "Be bold, be smart, and speak from the heart."
This is a cute story that will encourage young readers (and older ones) and students. Fun illustrations.
This is a cute story that will encourage young readers (and older ones) and students. Fun illustrations.
August 30, 2019
Illustrations are great! Story is great too. I love the teacher's motto and how she helped Clark remember what to say. It was also great to hear his classmates cheering him on instead of laughing or making fun of him. It shows great behavior on how to act if someone is in front of a group about to talk or give a speech and get stage fright or forgets what to say next.
This is a Level 1 reading level book with short sentences and familiar words.
This is a Level 1 reading level book with short sentences and familiar words.
November 4, 2020
This Book was about a shark wanting to read his book report. He was brave enough to go first and set the example. He practiced his report in front of his family and they loved it. I love the pictures in the book and how they really pop out at you. My favorite illustration is the one of Mrs.Inkydink because her color combination is beautiful. This is a really cool and cute book and I would read it to my students on book report day!
October 24, 2022
Students love Clark the Shark. A story about presenting a book report to the class and forgetting about what you are going to say! My only concern is that Clark hits himself on the head when he is trying to remember his talk. I changed it to scratched his head as we wouldn’t encourage students to do this as educators. I do love the advice from his teacher to speak from his heart - beautiful advice that holds true forever.
September 20, 2017
This is a level 1 reader but the text might be a little long/difficult for a true beginning reader.
When just looking at the story, it is enjoyable. A reminder not to get to big for your britches and that kindness is always the best medicine.
When just looking at the story, it is enjoyable. A reminder not to get to big for your britches and that kindness is always the best medicine.
April 19, 2020
Clark's book review
It talks about about fear of giving a book I review in front of your class. It is a very good book because of the drawings and it doesn't feel like you are talked down to.
It talks about about fear of giving a book I review in front of your class. It is a very good book because of the drawings and it doesn't feel like you are talked down to.
December 15, 2020
Early Reader
End of K/1st grade level early reader. A cute little story about Clark the shark. Good talking points about presenting in front of a crowd, preparing, and also so,s fun facts about sharks at the end.
End of K/1st grade level early reader. A cute little story about Clark the shark. Good talking points about presenting in front of a crowd, preparing, and also so,s fun facts about sharks at the end.
February 15, 2023
Never Too Soon to Encourage Public Speaking
It's going to be a few more years before grandson has to give a book report in front of the class, but this book is a humorous introduction to what it's like. My grandson enjoyed the story and the illustrations.
It's going to be a few more years before grandson has to give a book report in front of the class, but this book is a humorous introduction to what it's like. My grandson enjoyed the story and the illustrations.
August 15, 2025
(4☆ Would recommend)
Cute book with a good lesson. I liked how the teacher & the classmates were encouraging. I liked how the report didn't go as planned, but how it taught kids a simple way to work through hard things.
Cute book with a good lesson. I liked how the teacher & the classmates were encouraging. I liked how the report didn't go as planned, but how it taught kids a simple way to work through hard things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2019
Good message on public speaking and even with bigger goals of practicing, having visual aids and setting a joke to engage the audience, you still can forget the words. Toastmasters cuteness.
October 15, 2019
This book is perfect for my more advanced EFL students.
November 24, 2019
I like how the book addresses a real life skill of public speaking in a way that is relatable for children.
April 14, 2020
Perfect
Nice! My six year old enjoyed reading the book. I recommend it for young kids beginning to read. Excellent read!
Nice! My six year old enjoyed reading the book. I recommend it for young kids beginning to read. Excellent read!
September 2, 2020
A good book for your child if they are nervous about public speaking.
April 13, 2024
Clark gets too confident too to give a book report and freezes up.
May 17, 2025
Adorable.
January 8, 2026
Never fails to make my kiddos giggle. Tickled because my oldest can now read it to me :)
March 30, 2022
🦈📢💬🎶Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report by Bruce Hale
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2020
Pretty standard I Can Read book, could be used all levels as way to frame peer presentations (Clark thinks he’ll be just fine talking in front of the class but things don’t go as well as planned).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews