  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2015 K-Gr 2—Poor Shark. High above the city, he sits in his hotel room, watching detective shows on TV, munching potato chips, and dreaming of a life as a real detective. In the cold reality of early morning he is "just a lonely shark in the city." A missing pet poster nudges him to grab for his fantasy, and Shark thoughtfully begins a quest to find the missing kitty of the poster, a search that begins with research in the library and developing inner strength through Tai Chi. Interviewing witnesses is difficult when the detective presents his formidable teeth, but luck is with him as a chance sighting of the missing kitty not only solves the case but promises a future career for Detective Shark. Full-page color graphic art illustrations fast-forward the action. Shark's black-and-white dream sequence gives a nod to film noir-inspired city streets and private eyes, and he hits the pavement dressed in imitation of his favorite detective, Sherlock Holmes. VERDICT Nothing slows the determination of chip-munching Shark in this lively romp through the mean streets. He's one cool sleuth.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/15/2015 Poor Shark is feeling mighty lonely until he comes across a missing kitty flier one afternoon. Finally, his solitary nights of watching detective shows are about to pay off. He will become—cue the sunburst backdrop—Shark Detective! He even has the Sherlock hat and magnifying glass for the job. To prepare, he tries to think like a kitty; he researches at the library; he does rooftop tai chi. Let the investigation begin! Unfortunately, people scream or hide every time he tries asking questions about the missing cat. Sure, he is a shark, but can’t they tell he is a vegetarian? On the brink of giving up, Shark gets an idea that helps him crack the case and make a friend. Olien’s detective spoof is comic in both look and tone. Drawn in a loose, comic-book style where saturated colors prevail, the cartoonish characters speak in speech bubbles and wander the streets and shadowy alleyways. With laughs lurking around every corner, readers will embrace the silliness of this unlikely sleuth. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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