The Boy & The Shark is a wonderfully appealing picture book.
William does not like parties.
William likes sharks.
William’s little sister is having a birthday party with noise and dress-ups and pesky kids every which way.
So, being a natural shark-lover, William starts to wonder about whether sharks like parties. And then he decides to travel to the ocean’s depths to find out!
What follows is a romp of epic enough proportions. All children will be fully immersed and invested in William’s discoveries - it’s totally delightful.
The illustrations are friendly and colourful, with fabulous pops of interest to keep small eyes and brains engaged and moving forward.
The story is clever, funny, powerful, engaging and perfectly perfect in representing children who feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed, or who simply need some space away from the noise of the party (or the classroom or the bright lights...)
The endpapers too are really something, and totally in keeping with the story and sea-side themes.
The Boy & The Shark cleverly covers many important ideas and issues without overtly naming or belabouring them. It’s an absolute breath of fresh air!
Boys, girls, introverts, extroverts, older, younger. This book is a hoot - and a winner.
Highly recommended.
Title: The Boy & The Shark
Author/Illustrator: Cate James
Publisher: Affirm $24.99
Publication Date: 28 April, 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923419162
For Ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book
William’s little sister is having a birthday party with noise and dress-ups and pesky kids every which way.
So, being a natural shark-lover, William starts to wonder about whether sharks like parties. And then he decides to travel to the ocean’s depths to find out!
What follows is a romp of epic enough proportions. All children will be fully immersed and invested in William’s discoveries - it’s totally delightful.
The illustrations are friendly and colourful, with fabulous pops of interest to keep small eyes and brains engaged and moving forward.
The story is clever, funny, powerful, engaging and perfectly perfect in representing children who feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed, or who simply need some space away from the noise of the party (or the classroom or the bright lights...)
The endpapers too are really something, and totally in keeping with the story and sea-side themes.
The Boy & The Shark cleverly covers many important ideas and issues without overtly naming or belabouring them. It’s an absolute breath of fresh air!
Boys, girls, introverts, extroverts, older, younger. This book is a hoot - and a winner.
Highly recommended.
Title: The Boy & The Shark
Author/Illustrator: Cate James
Publisher: Affirm $24.99
Publication Date: 28 April, 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923419162
For Ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book
