I'm Getting a Shark!
on Goodreads (139)
What’s inside...
The story follows a young girl who is a huge fan of sharks. She overhears her parents mention the word 'shark' while discussing her birthday, fueling her belief that she will be getting a pet shark as a gift. As she eagerly anticipates the various types of sharks she might receive, her dog Ralphie tries to bring her back to reality. On her birthday, she is initially disappointed to receive a wild shark adopted in her name instead of a pet, but she soon feels proud to contribute to the conservation of these creatures she adores.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he thought about getting a shark? Can you tell me about a time you were really excited about something?
Why do you think the boy wanted a shark specifically? What kind of pet would you want and why?
What challenges do you think the boy might face having a shark as a pet? How would you solve those problems?
How did the boy's family react to his idea? How do we make decisions as a family when we want different things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences. Ask open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding and connection to the book’s themes. Validate their feelings and responses to show that their opinions are valued. Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach problem-solving skills by exploring the challenges of having unconventional pets.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story shows the child protagonist preparing for and taking care of a pet shark, illustrating the responsibilities involved in pet ownership.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to understanding the need to regularly care for and attend to their own pets or chores at home.
Example Lesson: Research and Learning
Explanation: Before getting the shark, the child researches its needs and habitat, underscoring the importance of learning about something before taking action.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to seek information and educate themselves before starting new projects or acquiring new pets.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The child initially fears the shark but learns about it and overcomes this fear, teaching courage and resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and misconceptions, whether it's trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book includes information on sharks’ roles in marine ecosystems, promoting awareness about environmental science.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to learn more about wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity in nature.