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Surviving the Wild #3
Sunny the Shark
Sunny the Shark is a fearsome predator. As the oceanic whitetip shark searches for her next meal, a chatty school of pilot fish trails behind, cleaning her in exchange for food crumbs. But when Sunny mistakes a plastic ring for prey and it gets caught around her fin, she soon struggles to hunt. Will she be able to break free and find food before winter sets in?
112 pages, Hardcover
Published August 9, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 25, 2023
Another great installment in this series that focuses on human impact on sharks. If you’re interested in learning more about wild animals through an early graphic novel series then I highly recommend checking this out.
Sunny the Shark is the third installment in the Surviving the Wild series and follows an oceanic white tip shark by the name of Sunny. While hunting Sunny gets caught in a plastic ring that makes it more difficult for her to both hunt and swim. With time, Sunny becomes weaker and risks dying without the proper access to food. This was actually a lot darker in terms of the plot. I was extremely nervous that Sunny was going to end up dying. It was a good authorial decision made by Remy Lai because it emphasized the impact that humans have on wildlife. There was great artwork and coloring that matched the vibe of the story. I love that Lai also spent time showcasing the scientist who work to protect these animals. Backmatter is provided for individuals who want to learn more about the inspiration for the story, characteristics of sharks, and environmentalism.
Overall, this was another great installment in the series. I recommend this one for ages 6-8.
Sunny the Shark is the third installment in the Surviving the Wild series and follows an oceanic white tip shark by the name of Sunny. While hunting Sunny gets caught in a plastic ring that makes it more difficult for her to both hunt and swim. With time, Sunny becomes weaker and risks dying without the proper access to food. This was actually a lot darker in terms of the plot. I was extremely nervous that Sunny was going to end up dying. It was a good authorial decision made by Remy Lai because it emphasized the impact that humans have on wildlife. There was great artwork and coloring that matched the vibe of the story. I love that Lai also spent time showcasing the scientist who work to protect these animals. Backmatter is provided for individuals who want to learn more about the inspiration for the story, characteristics of sharks, and environmentalism.
Overall, this was another great installment in the series. I recommend this one for ages 6-8.
November 22, 2022
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.*
An adorable story in this terrific graphic novel series by Remi Lai. Sunny is an oceanic whitetip shark. She is fierce and helpful to her friends. But when she gets a plastic ring caught on her fin, she might be the one in trouble.
The story is perfect for young readers. The author presents kids with facts about climate change and sharks, and tells them how they can help save our environment.
An adorable story in this terrific graphic novel series by Remi Lai. Sunny is an oceanic whitetip shark. She is fierce and helpful to her friends. But when she gets a plastic ring caught on her fin, she might be the one in trouble.
The story is perfect for young readers. The author presents kids with facts about climate change and sharks, and tells them how they can help save our environment.
August 18, 2022
New installment in the Surviving the Wild graphic novel series for younger elementary readers! In this 3rd book, Sunny the Oceanic Whitetip shark does all the usual shark things, eating and swimming, plus picking up some pilot fish who keep his skin and teeth groomed in exchange for ready access to his leftovers. Sunny is tagged by shark researchers, gets a plastic balloon string wrapped around his body and a swim fin and becomes unable to hunt. The researchers relocate him and remove the string before he becomes so weakened from lack of food that he dies. The story is told in dialogue that is simple enough for 1st and 2nd grade readers but that very simplicity are likely to keep this one from being of interest to grades higher than 3. Closing notes from the author reinforce and elaborate the shark facts included in this based on fact story as well as give young readers a few practical tips for keeping our oceans free of dangerous plastics.
Thanks for sending me a copy of this book for review, Henry Holt and Co.
Thanks for sending me a copy of this book for review, Henry Holt and Co.
August 8, 2022
I adore Remy's graphic novels. Her illustrations are just a perfect fit for my aesthetics; clean lines & pastel colours. I feel though that this book in the series has the least words. It's just my gut feel though so I wouldn't place any bets on it. It is, however, a wonderful introduction to the subject of protecting the environment and perfect for reluctant readers.
Remy is a dear friend who sent a copy of her book to my children from whom I'd have to beg & borrow to read this. My deepest thanks & all thoughts are mine own.
Remy is a dear friend who sent a copy of her book to my children from whom I'd have to beg & borrow to read this. My deepest thanks & all thoughts are mine own.
March 8, 2022
This is a well done look at the dangers of ocean pollution written in a kid-friendly format. The art is excellent and the story had me near tears at points. I particularly like the supplemental information about the true story Sunny is based on and ways to cut down on pollution.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
December 28, 2022
This likeable book that shows us life from an ocean animal's point of view. Even young kids can follow the story; the art is easy to understand and, in places, funny. A book as suited for homes as it is for classrooms because the story is engaging but also shares important information about how humans can help or hurt life in the sea. Based on a true story--information about that is included at the end.
June 16, 2022
I thought this was going to be a fun story interspersed with facts. It was not.
This is a story about how plastic in the ocean hinders and kills wildlife. It is not a humorous book, nor is it a bedtime story, despite the cartoonish drawings or descriptions referencing Narwhal and Jelly (meets Planet Earth).
It begins in a cheerful way with a grumpy shark who just wants some quiet. She accidentally saves some pilot fish, so they decide to follow her for protection and food scraps.
Shortly after being tagged for research, the shark gets caught in a big ring of plastic and is given the name Sunny by the pilot fish. From there, the humor is over, and Sunny fights for survival, just like a real-life shark would.
At the end of the story, a short section describes how this book was inspired by the short life of a real shark who was a victim of plastic in the ocean.
I was disappointed, and felt the book was misrepresented. I would not buy this book for a child. There are many more out there that handle the subject better.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#SurvivingtheWildSunnytheShark #NetGalley
#RemyLai
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#HenryHoltandCoBYR
#ChildrensFictionComicsGraphicNovelsManga
#FictionHuntingFishingHumor
#ChildrensAnimalComicsGraphicNovels
#ChildrenFishBooks
#PlasticsKillWildlife
#DangerstoOceanLife
#InspiredbyRealEvents
This is a story about how plastic in the ocean hinders and kills wildlife. It is not a humorous book, nor is it a bedtime story, despite the cartoonish drawings or descriptions referencing Narwhal and Jelly (meets Planet Earth).
It begins in a cheerful way with a grumpy shark who just wants some quiet. She accidentally saves some pilot fish, so they decide to follow her for protection and food scraps.
Shortly after being tagged for research, the shark gets caught in a big ring of plastic and is given the name Sunny by the pilot fish. From there, the humor is over, and Sunny fights for survival, just like a real-life shark would.
At the end of the story, a short section describes how this book was inspired by the short life of a real shark who was a victim of plastic in the ocean.
I was disappointed, and felt the book was misrepresented. I would not buy this book for a child. There are many more out there that handle the subject better.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#SurvivingtheWildSunnytheShark #NetGalley
#RemyLai
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#HenryHoltandCoBYR
#ChildrensFictionComicsGraphicNovelsManga
#FictionHuntingFishingHumor
#ChildrensAnimalComicsGraphicNovels
#ChildrenFishBooks
#PlasticsKillWildlife
#DangerstoOceanLife
#InspiredbyRealEvents
May 31, 2023
Themes:
Marine Wildlife
Plastic Pollution
Australian Wildlife
Based on a true story
A fantastic resource for children to learn about plastic pollution and the effect it has on marine wildlife.
We follow the story of Sunny, a young oceanic whitetip shark, and her journey surviving in the wild. Sunny eventually gets caught up in a plastic balloon string and struggles to hunt and live with it attached to her. She faces many obstacles and individuals including marine researchers, pilot fish, other sharks and whales - and more!
The ending gives us more information on the story including the true story it was based off of, and tips for children (and humans in general!) to stop the impact plastic can have on the wildlife.
I hope we get more graphic novels in this series as they are invaluable stories to educate future generations. I love reading Remy Lai’s works.
Thank you to the publisher Allen & Unwin for gifting me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Marine Wildlife
Plastic Pollution
Australian Wildlife
Based on a true story
A fantastic resource for children to learn about plastic pollution and the effect it has on marine wildlife.
We follow the story of Sunny, a young oceanic whitetip shark, and her journey surviving in the wild. Sunny eventually gets caught up in a plastic balloon string and struggles to hunt and live with it attached to her. She faces many obstacles and individuals including marine researchers, pilot fish, other sharks and whales - and more!
The ending gives us more information on the story including the true story it was based off of, and tips for children (and humans in general!) to stop the impact plastic can have on the wildlife.
I hope we get more graphic novels in this series as they are invaluable stories to educate future generations. I love reading Remy Lai’s works.
Thank you to the publisher Allen & Unwin for gifting me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for providing an advance e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Author/illustrator Remy Lai continues her new series, Surviving the Wild, with the fraught adventures of Sunny the Shark. An oceanic whitetip, Sunny encounters trouble when she becomes entangled in a balloon string that eventually pins one of her fins to her body, slowing her swimming and hindering her hunting. Luckily, Sunny has been tagged by a research team that can track her movements and, hopefully, rescue her from this potentially fatal entanglement. “The True Story Behind Sunny's Adventure,” which closes out this early reader graphic novel, discusses the real shark that inspired Sunny's story, the dangers of plastic pollution, and what readers can do to help protect vulnerable marine animals. Readers of ALL ages will want to join in the effort to help these amazing animals!
Author/illustrator Remy Lai continues her new series, Surviving the Wild, with the fraught adventures of Sunny the Shark. An oceanic whitetip, Sunny encounters trouble when she becomes entangled in a balloon string that eventually pins one of her fins to her body, slowing her swimming and hindering her hunting. Luckily, Sunny has been tagged by a research team that can track her movements and, hopefully, rescue her from this potentially fatal entanglement. “The True Story Behind Sunny's Adventure,” which closes out this early reader graphic novel, discusses the real shark that inspired Sunny's story, the dangers of plastic pollution, and what readers can do to help protect vulnerable marine animals. Readers of ALL ages will want to join in the effort to help these amazing animals!
February 20, 2022
DRC from Netgalley and MacMillan /Henry Holt
Cute GN about a whitetip shark who befriends a group of pilot fish. They hang put with her in search of food. A group of Marine researchers catch her, tag her, and release her. Months later they see her again - but this time she has a plastic ring stuck around her, keeping her from using one of her fins. They try to catch her to help, but she escapes. Things are not looking good for Sunny but there is a happy ending.
Shark enthusiasts might not like the cartoonish drawings of the fish - but over all the story was good and will appeal to many of my readers. There is also some great backmatter explaining ocean pollution and how to help.
Side note - the Kindle version had formatting problems that made it hard to read, but the pdf loaded much better.
Cute GN about a whitetip shark who befriends a group of pilot fish. They hang put with her in search of food. A group of Marine researchers catch her, tag her, and release her. Months later they see her again - but this time she has a plastic ring stuck around her, keeping her from using one of her fins. They try to catch her to help, but she escapes. Things are not looking good for Sunny but there is a happy ending.
Shark enthusiasts might not like the cartoonish drawings of the fish - but over all the story was good and will appeal to many of my readers. There is also some great backmatter explaining ocean pollution and how to help.
Side note - the Kindle version had formatting problems that made it hard to read, but the pdf loaded much better.
March 13, 2022
I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Sunny is a story kids will be hooked on. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. Children learn how they have the power themselves to be mindful of their environment by making small changes. Sunny was a shark that made friends the school of fish that followed they lived off the bits of food Sunny would lose. Children also are empowered to make changes in energy day life to help save the environment. It might instill the need to be thoughtful of what we waste and where it ends up.. Sunny gets caught in a plastic ring that held his fin back it kept him from doing things that were normal for him.. Teaching this generation. So they can teach the next.....and so on. Yes I will definitely be recommending this book.Thankks to #NetGalley and#RemiLai for the opportunity to review this book early.
July 2, 2022
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Another book in Lai's series on protecting wildlife. This time, readers meet an Oceanic Whitetip shark searching for food. He runs into a school of Pilot Fish and saves them from a Tuna. They form a group and take care of each other as would happen in reality. Unfortunately, Sunny gets caught in a plastic ring that won't come off. We see what happens when a shark has to deal with this as it keeps them from food supplies and keeps them from growing. In the end, this shark is rescued and freed from this band.
Lai captures the reality of life in the current environment and offers readers ways to help at the end. I look forward to more informative stories in this series.
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Another book in Lai's series on protecting wildlife. This time, readers meet an Oceanic Whitetip shark searching for food. He runs into a school of Pilot Fish and saves them from a Tuna. They form a group and take care of each other as would happen in reality. Unfortunately, Sunny gets caught in a plastic ring that won't come off. We see what happens when a shark has to deal with this as it keeps them from food supplies and keeps them from growing. In the end, this shark is rescued and freed from this band.
Lai captures the reality of life in the current environment and offers readers ways to help at the end. I look forward to more informative stories in this series.
July 23, 2022
Sunny the Shark is a white tip shark looking for a quiet place to swim and find food in the ocean. He agrees to let some pilot fish come along for the ride, but when he gets entangled in a piece of plastic, Sunny can no longer hunt. All but one pilot fish leave in search of other food. Thankfully a marine research boat has tagged Sunny and again finds him to help him out of the plastic. This is a cute graphic novel that kids will love! There are facts about sharks, oceans, pilot fish, pollution, and more. The illustrations are similar to Narwhal and Jelly. Sunny the Shark is a fun, short graphic novel for early readers. I can’t wait to add this to our school library collection!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Read
August 9, 2022I really liked this quick-for-me read. It explores something that really happened to an animal and provides tips at the end for saving the wildlife. It includes lots of facts without you even knowing they are facts, and it's just a good story anyway. Happy book birthday Sunny, and happy birthday to me!
November 2, 2022
Cutesy whitetip shark protects, then collects a school of pilot fish symbiotic companions when a plastic ring entraps him. Lots of back matter on e dangers of plastic in the ocean and what people can do to stop it. Based on actual events. Ecology message not subtle, the intended audience will get it.
December 9, 2022
I like the author incorporates a lesson for the reader and how the author incorporates parts of real stories. Sunny is likeable, and the plot shows how devastating the debris in the ocean can be on marine wildlife. Two thumbs up! I am looking forward to adding this book to our collection and recommending it to my students!
July 22, 2022
Another cute story of Surviving the Wild and how one shark makes friends, learns about humans and their trash. The pacing was a bit slower than the others, but overall this series is perfect for learning about animals and the dangers they face in a safe, age appropriate manner.
July 29, 2022
Surviving the Wild: Sunny the Shark is a cute and.captivating kid’s tale that is honestly perfect for all ages. My only complaint is that this book wasn’t around when I was younger because I would have been completely obsessed.
August 1, 2022
I read the middle grade graphic novel Sunny the Shark by Remy Lai with my sons. They loved it, and we read the book in one sitting. It teaches kids about the whitetip shark, pilot fish, and water pollution. It's laugh out loud funny, and we loved it.
Want to Read
January 18, 2022Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 13, 2022
I so very much love how the author explores the different worlds of animals and the dangers they face due to factors like climate change and in the case of Sunny the Shark pollution.
August 26, 2022
Another book about how important to protect our beaches and the animals that inhabit them
September 13, 2022
I absolutely love Remy’s graphic novel series for young readers! An emphasis on adorable animals and saving the environment sells itself every time!
September 14, 2022
Read-aloud.
The pilot fish are SOOO cute. I think they were my favorite part. Sunny reminded me a little of the author. Ha.
The pilot fish are SOOO cute. I think they were my favorite part. Sunny reminded me a little of the author. Ha.
September 21, 2022
Another great one in the series! Adorable illustrations with a suspenseful plot and learning for our littlest ones!
September 24, 2022
Darcy (7) liked this book because "it had sharks, my favourite animal, in the ocean."
October 23, 2022
Great story
October 28, 2022
Good way to get kids thinking about and potentially acting about reducing plastics and other waste. I would rather killer whales be called orcas
June 13, 2023
Miss 10 says: I think this book is a great reminder to the people who don’t put their plastic in the bin. I loved the pilot fish!
Me: a lovely ocean day graphic novel. We learnt a lot about sea life
Me: a lovely ocean day graphic novel. We learnt a lot about sea life
October 27, 2023
A great elementary and up graphic novel about a shark that gets caught in ocean debris and must adapt his lifestyle because of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews