Shark Tale: The Movie Novel
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
In an adaptation of the new animated movie starring the voices of Will Smith, Robert DeNiro, and Renee Zellweger, Oscar, a fast-talking little fish, finds himself in hot water when he is mistaken for a hero. Original.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Oscar learned about friendship and being true to oneself throughout the story?
How did the different characters in the story help Oscar realize the importance of honesty?
What would you have done if you were in Oscar's place when faced with tough decisions?
Why is it important to think about the consequences of our actions, as shown through Oscar's experiences?
How can we apply the lessons Oscar learned to our own lives at school or with friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the story, make connections between Oscar’s challenges and real-life situations your child may face, helping them relate to the story.
Encourage your child to express their opinion about the characters’ actions and discuss alternative choices the characters could have made.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at pivotal moments in the story to enhance their analytical thinking skills.
Draw attention to the motives behind characters’ actions to deepen your child’s understanding of cause and effect.
Celebrate moments when your child makes insightful observations to encourage ongoing participation and enthusiasm.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In 'Shark Tale: The Movie Novel,' the protagonist learns that pretending to be something you're not can lead to a web of lies and complications. The story emphasizes the consequences of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value truthfulness in their daily interactions and understand that honesty builds trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: Being True to Oneself
Explanation: The main character, Oscar, realizes that happiness comes from embracing who you really are, rather than trying to meet others' expectations. This personal journey highlights the importance of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their unique qualities and strengths, fostering self-esteem and preventing peer pressure influence.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Oscar learns that true friends offer support and acceptance no matter the circumstances. The value of genuine friendships is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of nurturing supportive friendships, which can provide emotional security and a sense of belonging.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Oscar confronts his fears and takes responsibility for his actions by the story’s end. His bravery in facing challenging situations is inspiring.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own fears and difficulties courageously, understanding that overcoming challenges is part of growth.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book illustrates how Oscar's initial lies lead to larger problems not just for him, but for those around him, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that their actions have impacts and learning to think about consequences is crucial.