Sharky McShark and the Shiny Shell Squabble
Sharky McShark Series
What’s inside...
The story follows Sharky McShark, a feisty and determined little shark, as she finds herself in a squabble over a shiny shell. Throughout the adventure, Sharky learns valuable lessons about sharing, friendship, and problem-solving. Sharky McShark and her best friend Teensy Wee Crab embark on an exciting journey together that tests their bond and teaches them the importance of cooperation. Sharky McShark and her best friend Teensy Wee Crab do everything together at the bottom of the deep blue sea. They really are the perfect twosome. Until one day - with a plink! twirl! plonk! - an itsy bitsy shrimp arrives on the scene. Is there room for one more in this friendship? Sharky's not so SHORE. A vibrant and fun-filled undersea story about sharing, making new friends and overcoming feelings of jealousy from Alison Murray. Be SHORE to Sharky McShark and the Teensy Wee Crab.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Sharky McShark want the shiny shell so much?
How did the other sea creatures feel when Sharky took the shell?
What lesson did Sharky learn by the end of the story?
If you were in the story, what would you have done to help resolve the squabble?
How do you think sharing helps in making friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book is about based on the cover and title. This sets the stage for active reading.
While reading, pause at key moments and ask your child to predict what might happen next. This builds anticipation and engagement.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the characters’ actions. Ask if they would have acted similarly or differently, and why.
Post-reading, connect the story’s themes to your child’s own experiences, such as times they resolved a conflict or had to share.
Discuss the importance of resolving conflicts and sharing, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: In the story, Sharky McShark learns the importance of sharing a found shiny shell with his friends, rather than keeping it to himself.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share toys or resources with siblings and peers, which fosters a cooperative and harmonious environment.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The book portrays how Sharky and his friends resolve their squabble over the shiny shell through communication and understanding, rather than aggression.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of discussing problems and finding peaceful solutions when disagreements arise with others.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the squabble, the characters realize that their friendship is more important than any material possession, like the shiny shell.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to prioritize relationships over materialistic desires, understanding that emotional bonds are more valuable than physical objects.
Example Lesson: Apologizing and Forgiveness
Explanation: Sharky McShark learns to apologize for his selfish behavior, and his friends show forgiveness, restoring their friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of saying sorry when they’ve made a mistake and the power of forgiving others to mend relationships.