Shark's Big Surprise
#3 of 43 in Storytime classics Series
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
Shark is big and scary and all the other fish are afraid of him. But with no one to play with, Shark is lonely. One day, Shark sets off with a mysterious bag and snaps up Lobster, Octopus, Starfish, Turtle, and Jellyfish. The fish are worried they might get eaten, but are surprised when Shark pours them out of the bag to find a huge cake he made to share with them. The story ends with a twist and a lesson about communication, making it a great read-aloud favorite.
Character compass
Shark
Discussion points
How do you think Shark felt when he was planning the surprise? Can you think of a time you planned something special for someone?
What do you think makes a good friend? How did the sea creatures show friendship to each other in the story?
Why do you think Shark wanted to surprise his friends? How do surprises make you feel?
What can we learn from the way the creatures in the book helped each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the story and their favorite part. This opens up a natural conversation about the book's themes.
Reflect on Shark’s emotions and actions with your child and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to think about the concepts of friendship and kindness portrayed in the book, and how they can apply these in their own life.
Utilize the book's illustrations to discuss the story further, such as what the expressions of the characters might suggest about their feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Shark's Big Surprise', Shark learns the value of having friends when marine creatures come together to throw him a birthday party.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their friends and understand the significance of building strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Shark initially feels lonely and misunderstood, but the gesture from his friends changes his perspective. This demonstrates how understanding differences can lead to empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more empathetic towards their peers who might seem different from them, promoting inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Surprise and Delight in Giving
Explanation: The marine creatures surprise Shark with a party, showing the joy in doing something nice for someone unexpectedly.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of surprising others with acts of kindness, which can brighten someone's day and strengthen bonds.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Despite being feared by many, Shark finds joy and acceptance, showcasing overcoming misconceptions others may have.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that everyone has fears and obstacles, but overcoming them is possible and can lead to positive outcomes.