  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/15/2017 How could a pet that is part shark, part friendly and slobbery dog be problematic, you ask? Readers who watch it “fetch” a whole tree in Adamson’s bright, watercolor scenes, or spot a triangular fin cutting through water on a trip to a crowded beach (and through tall grass toward an unwary cat) may have an idea. Not that the red-haired child or her explorer dad, who have brought the creature back from an expedition to exotic climes, are particularly worried. What does have them fussed is their pet’s sudden decline—could it be time to take the toothy tail-wagger back to its accustomed watery habitat? Young readers will be easily won over by the plump, eager, stubby-limbed pup—and as delighted as the young narrator to see it leaping back aboard with its new friends after a joyful reunion with its amphibious pack mates. “I think Shark Dog made his mind up,” says Dad. “It looks like you’re his home now.” Bad news for the neighborhood cats. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 06/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—Traveling with his explorer dad, a boy discovers a strange creature who is half dog, half shark. Aptly named "Shark Dog," the animal swims underwater just like a typical shark but reverts to his canine instincts when he fetches slippers. Sometimes, Shark Dog's inclinations get him into big trouble, such as the time he grabs a tree trunk when all the other dogs are retrieving sticks. When Shark Dog starts missing others of his kind, he is brought back to Shark Dog Island only to prove that he is still not ready to leave his human buddy for good. The absurd notion of a semi-canine, semi-aquatic pet, complete with long, slobbery tongue and pointy, daggerlike teeth, will delight young readers who love land and sea creatures. Adamson's cheerful, full-color cartoon illustrations expertly depict the contrast, up to the final page, where Shark Dog's friends (fins extended) follow him home with his human companions. Fans of Eric Carle's The Mixed-Up Chameleon will enjoy this rollicking, goofy, wholly unconventional picture book. Young listeners may even pick up on the underlying message about fitting in. The story would also support a comparative unit on the differences between land mammals and ocean creatures. VERDICT A hilarious selection that's sure to please a picture book crowd, particularly one composed of children fascinated by dogs, sharks, or both.—Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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