Tag: Aaron Reynolds

Agent Interview: Ashlee MacCallum (Howland Literary)

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Welcome to Ashlee MacCallum, a junior literary agent at Howland Literary who has one of the most delightfully eclectic backgrounds you’ll find. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Ashlee has been a preschool director, a special education teacher, a US History teacher, a Dean of Students, and—to this day—a high school English teacher in Nevada who makes her sophomores dramatically reenact Macbeth. (Yeah, we love that energy!)

Ashlee joined Howland Literary in 2025 after interning with Brent Taylor at Triada US. Specifically on the picture book side, she’s drawn to stories with multiple hooks, original concepts, and concise writing—with a particular soft spot for creepy tales, quirky humor, and anything “delightfully weird.”

And she’s also a kidlit writer herself, represented by Kaitlyn Katsoupis at Belcastro Agency, which means she knows what the submission trenches feel like from both sides of the desk.

When she’s not reading submissions or grading essays, Ashlee says that she’s “probably mapping out her next Disney adventure, binging a true crime podcast, or humming show tunes in the kitchen.”

Let’s find out a bit more about Ashlee and her work!

RVC: You grew up in Glasgow surrounded by folklore and superstitious storytelling. What’s a moment from your childhood that still lives in your head when you think about what makes a great story?

AM: What a fun question! My mum’s mum, my Nana, is quite the storyteller. I have vivid memories of her telling me about the goblins who lived in the woods behind her house. If we were misbehaving (which my brother usually would), she would tell us the King Goblin was coming to sort us out. Looking back, I think what made her stories great was how compelling they were and the emotional engagement she drew from us.

RVC: Love the goblin stories. Wow. Now, you’ve had one of the most zigzag career paths of anyone we’ve featured on OPB—in a good way! How do all those roles inform the way you work as an agent?

AM: Haha! Outside of traditional publishing internships and training, I have drawn on the skills from my “day job” to help launch my agenting career. I actually think being a high school English teacher utilizes many of the same skills that literary agents use every day: literary analysis, editorial/​revision skills, a knowledge of storytelling and literature, understanding readers and audiences, organization, and strong communication. Even in previous jobs I’ve held, such as a Dean of Students, I negotiated, exercised strong judgment, and worked in an advocacy role.

RVC: You’re a picture book writer yourself, and rumor has it that you queried over 100 times before landing your first agent. What were the top two lessons you took from that experience?

AM: Yes! I learned a lot about myself through the querying process, namely, how I navigate rejection. I realized that while successfully finding an agent is about writing a great book, it’s also about resilience and persistence.

RVC: Amen to that!

AM: I also came to appreciate the power of revision. Feedback and refinement are constant in this industry, and I’ve learned to really lean into and love those things.

RVC: How are things going with your own submissions, and does that in any way affect how you work with other authors as an agent?

AM: Things are moving along! I hope to have good news on that front soon, but again, resilience and persistence. Because I have an intimate understanding of what the sub process looks like, I can guide my clients with empathy, prepare them for the submission process (things like timelines and editor responsiveness), and advocate for their work with a clearer understanding of how editors evaluate projects.

RVC: I see you’re making the bold choice of showcasing your own manuscripts-​on-​submission on your website. Should more authors do that?

AM: It’s a personal decision, for sure. Some authors prefer privacy during the submission process, which is completely valid. For me, it’s about modeling transparency. If writers can see that even someone working inside the industry experiences the same timelines and uncertainty, it helps normalize the realities of publishing. So, I wouldn’t say more authors should do it, but I do think the more honest conversations we have about the process, the healthier the writing community becomes.

RVC: Since we have so many people listening/​reading here (and a lot of them are industry gatekeepers), go ahead and give us the elevator pitch for one of your on-​submission picture books and one other kidlit project.

AM: Haha! This made me giggle. I won’t say too much, but I’m a girlie with ADHD, so my favorite picture book I’ve ever written highlights that experience, but with a little magic and mischief. It’s been through countless revisions, but it’s officially back on sub, and I’m hopeful someone loves it as much as I do.

RVC: Thanks for that! Now, tell me the story of how you ended up working at Howland Literary. What made you say, “This is my home”?

Howland LiteraryAM: Good question! When I connected with Carrie, the founder and president of Howland Literary, it felt like a natural fit right away. What I love most about working at Howland is how our team champions authors and approaches publishing with both creativity and care. There’s a collaborative spirit in our agency (full of girl power, I might add) and I’m so proud to work alongside them.

RVC: According to interviews, voice is the single most important thing you look for in a submission. In a picture book with only 600 words or 300 words or maybe even just 200 words, what does a “distinct, captivating voice” actually look like?

AM: Yes, voice is critical in any writing space, but especially in children’s books. For picture books in particular, voice isn’t about the number of words, but it’s about how much personality each word carries. When you have a limited number of words to tell a story, every sentence has to do multiple jobs like reveal character, create tone, move the story forward, and of course, for picture books, sound fun and engaging when read aloud!

RVC: Your MSWL includes something I don’t see enough agents asking for: creepy picture books. Tell me more!

AM: YES! Please, someone, send me a creepy picture book! The tone I’m looking for here lands somewhere between spooky, mischievous, eerie, and darkly funny. I think kids love controlled fear (think every Disney villain ever) and tension that makes the story memorable (like my Nana’s scary tales about the goblins). This is definitely a high-​priority item on my wish list.

RVC: You also list “inventive and clever nonfiction, particularly STEAM themes and lyrical narrative nonfiction that sings.” What separates a STEAM picture book that excites you from one that feels like a textbook in disguise?

AM: Oooh this is a fantastic question. For me, it comes down to this: is the story driving the science, or is the science driving the story? So, instead of trying to explain how something works, the concept should naturally unfold in the narrative. I’m personally drawn to STEAM stories that still have heart and a strong emotional tie.

RVC: Can you name a book or two that’s a good model for this?

AM: Yes! I think Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer is a great example of a STEAM picture book with heart. In fact, her book is also a strong example of a non-​human character that brings real emotion. In the story, the shop is treated like a real character with a life cycle. When reading it with my son (we read it many times!) he gravitated to the hope-​forward narrative and felt a real connection to “The Mighty O.”

RVC: When you’re editing a picture book before submission, where do you find yourself pushing authors the most?

AM: Probably word count. I want to make sure every word in our submission sparkles and is perfectly placed. Sometimes we can eliminate fluff or text that could be shown in the illustrations instead. These little things matter.

RVC: Let’s briefly talk about rhyme. Should people send those projects your way or find another option? 

AM: I am admittedly not the best fit for rhyme, but at the same time, I don’t want to discourage someone from querying me if they think we’d be a great match, so if your projects meet other items on my wish list, then feel free to give me a shot.

RVC: Since COVID, I’ve tried to ask every interview subject a health and wellness question. Here’s yours. What’s your best tip for kidlit writers who need a hand dealing with the stress and grind of the submission process? 

AM: Nice! I’d say take a break if you need one. It’s okay to give yourself a moment if your mental health is suffering. Constant rejection can be tough, and if it stops feeling like redirection and you’re no longer enjoying writing, take a little break and come back when you’re ready. Self-​care is so important!

RVC: One last question for this part of the interview. What’s next for you?

AM: I recently signed my fifth client, Cate Townsend! Her YA paranormal romance just went out on submission and it’s quite literally to die for. I can’t wait to see who snags it up.

RVC: Alright, Ashlee. It’s time for the much-​anticipated, never-​duplicated, always-​spectacular SPEED ROUND. Snappy questions, rapid-​fire answers. Are you ready?

AM: LET’S DO THIS!

RVC: You’re trapped in a haunted Scottish castle overnight. What picture book character do you want right by your side?

AM: I’m 100% going to need Dennis from The Book of Rules by Brian Gehrlein. Not only is this one of my son’s favs, I know that hungry little purple monster will take care of business if necessary. Ghosties are no match for Dennis.

RVC: Your students have to perform a picture book as a dramatic reading instead of Macbeth. What picture books gets the gig?

AM: Haha! I’d have to say We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Can you imagine? I have some student actors who could really bring Penelope Rex to life.

RVC: Disney is making a theme park ride based on any picture book you choose. What’s your choice?

AM: Since I love creepy picture books, I’m going to say—you guessed it—Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds. Disney + Twilight Zone vibes is a yes, please for me.

RVC: A picture book from the past year or two that deserves way more attention than it’s gotten?

AM: I think Ghost Makes a Friend by Maggie Edkins Willis is the sweetest story for kids trying to make friends. It really speaks to the shy kiddos, for who sometimes, the scariest thing can actually be making a friend. If you haven’t checked it out, you should!

RVC: Who sets the standard for creepy-​but-​kid-​appropriate picture books?

AM: I think everyone in the kidlit space does in a way: writers, agents, editors, readers… but there are for sure some big names who have helped shape this space like Jon Klassen, Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown.

RVC: Complete the sentence: “Ashlee MacCallum is an agent who…”

AM: …loves bold voices, big feelings, and stories that refuse to behave.

RVC: Terrific. Thanks so much, Ashlee!

Industry Insights: Decoding Editorial Feedback (with Real Picture Book Examples)

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Hello, OPB friends!

This month, we’re doing something a little different for our Industry Insider post. Instead of featuring an interview, I wanted to dig into a question that comes up often during critique sessions, revision conversations, and email threads with clients, friends, and fellow kidlit writers:

What do editors really mean when they say things like “This feels quiet” or “I didn’t quite connect with the voice”?

As Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books—and a kidlit writer myself for the past ten years—I’ve heard these phrases from both sides of the table. I’ve also talked about them at length with my own agent, with critique partners, and with other editors across the industry. So, today’s post is a kind of translation guide: a short, honest look at some of the most common editorial phrases and what they often (but not always!) mean under the hood.

“This feels quiet.”

This doesn’t mean “bad.” It usually means the concept doesn’t feel immediately marketable. Maybe the theme is lovely but soft, or the stakes feel internal rather than plot-​driven. Sometimes it means the story is tender or subtle, but doesn’t stand out in a crowded submission pile.

What might help:
Sharpen the hook. Raise the stakes. Consider whether the emotional arc or character journey could be more compelling or surprising.

Example: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
This is a quiet book, yes, but it works because the emotional core is crystal-​clear and universally resonant. Note how the hook—how kids process big feelings—feels urgent and relatable, even though the plot is minimal.

“It’s well-​written, but I didn’t fall in love.”

This is often code for “I admire this, but I don’t have a vision for how to sell it.” Editors have to advocate hard for every book they acquire, and that requires real enthusiasm. No one wants to take on a project they feel lukewarm about, even if the writing is strong.

What might help:
Nothing, necessarily. This one isn’t about a fixable flaw, but rather more about fit. Keep querying. The right person might fall hard.

Example: Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
This debut book is lyrical, quiet, and elegant—easily one an editor could have passed on for being “lovely, but maybe too subtle.” But its emotional depth and visual storytelling made the right editor fall in love, and champion it all the way to success.

“There’s not quite enough here for a picture book.”

This might mean there’s not a full arc, or that the story leans more toward vignette or concept than narrative. It can also mean the emotional or plot payoff isn’t big enough to justify 32, 40, or 48 pages.

What might help:
Dig deeper into the character’s journey. Add tension, reversals, or a turning point. Picture books (even/​especially quiet ones!) need structure to shape the reader’s experience.

Example: A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead
This story is gentle, but it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Amos takes care of animals at the zoo. One day he’s sick—and they return the favor. The role reversal adds narrative weight to what could’ve been a flat concept.

“I wasn’t quite connecting with the voice.”

This is a gentle way of saying that something in the tone, language, or narrative feel simply didn’t land. The voice might feel too adult, too generic, or inconsistent. Or maybe it didn’t match the story’s intended mood or audience.

What might help:
Read it aloud. Is the rhythm strong? Does it sound like a real person? Could the narrator be more specific, distinctive, or emotionally resonant?

Example: Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
The voice here is spot-​on: cinematic, dramatic, and a perfect match for the mock-​horror tone. The exaggerated seriousness is what sells the humor…and the book.

“It’s too similar to something else on our list.”

This is rarely personal. More times than not, it’s strategic. Editors have to balance their list across themes, formats, tones, and audiences. If they just acquired a book about ballet-​loving dinosaurs, they’re probably not going to take another one. I run into this a lot at my press because we’re a small press with a small list. I can’t buy a second book about penguins if we’ve already got one in the pipeline, or just published one…even though I’d love to do an all-​penguin imprint!

What might help:
Check your comps. Make sure your book fills a different niche, or offers a fresh twist that feels essential, not adjacent.

Example: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
A story about a demanding character trying to get their way? Done a zillion times before. But the second-​person narration, meta structure, and pigeon personality made this feel wildly new, even though the premise is simple.

“We’re being really selective right now.”

Always true. But also: sometimes it’s a way of softening a pass without going into detail. Budgets, list size, market trends, team bandwidth, and internal priorities all play a role.

What might help:
This is nothing you can control. It’s just not a reflection on you or your work. Keep going. The right project will hit the right desk at the right time.

Example: The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
A book like this may have felt risky at the wrong time: epistolary format, multiple voices, no central plot. But with the right champion at the right moment, it broke through—and became a bestseller.

Final Thoughts:
Rejections don’t always mean “no forever.” And editorial speak isn’t meant to be mysterious, though it can MOST DEFINITELY feel that way in the moment for a while. As writers, it helps to hear what’s often behind the phrases. As editors, it helps to be honest about what we mean. The more we can bridge that gap, the stronger the books (and the industry) become.

Got a phrase you’d like help decoding? Leave a comment or reach out! I’m happy to demystify where I can.

Picture Book List: 20 Great Books About Sharks

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I’ve been watching a lot of SHARK WEEK reruns, and wow, sharks are pretty amazing. Clearly, kids agree because there are a lot of sharkcentric picture books out in the literary waters.

Here are a few that swim above the rest. See what you think! And if I missed any of your favorites, please tell me about them in the comments section.

Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (December 2018)

From Goodreads: “Baby Shark! Doo doo doo doo doo doo! Baby Shark! Doo doo doo doo doo doo! Baby Shark! Doo doo doo doo doo doo! Baby Shark! Baby Shark has become well-​known and well-​loved by teachers, parents, and children everywhere. And with hilarious and adorable under-​the-​sea art of Baby Shark, Mama Shark, Daddy Shark, Grandma Shark, and more ocean creatures, kids won’t be able to get enough of this silly illustrated story of a shark family! Children will delight in this silly sing-​along story with funny, eye-​popping illustrations and informative picture guides to help readers to mimic and act out the hand/​foot movements and develop their fine motor skills. By the end of the singalong story, little ones will be laughing, singing, and dancing their way to fun and reading success! Are you up for the Baby Shark reading challenge?”

Pages: 24

Reading Age: 1–3

 

Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Dan Santat (November 2013)

From Goodreads: “The lion is king of the jungle!
The great white shark is sovereign of the seas!
The timber wolf is emperor of the forests!

But…it’s lonely at the top of the food chain. It’s difficult to fit in when plant eaters can be so cruel–just because you ate a relative of theirs that one time! What’s a carnivore to do?

Aaron Reynolds’s roaringly funny text is perfectly paired with Dan Santat’s dynamic illustrations, creating a toothsome picture book that’s sure to stand out from the herd.”

Pages: 40

Reading Age: 4–8

 

Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis (June 2013)

From Goodreads: “Clark the Shark is a great read-​aloud picture book, with fun rhythm and rhyme, from the ever-​popular Bruce Hale and Guy Francis.

Clark is a shark with zing, bang, and BOOM. Clark zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess. Clark loves life—but when his enthusiasm is too much for his friends, Clark’s teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, helps him figure out a way to tone it down.

Clark the Shark celebrates boisterous enthusiasm—and knowing when it’s time for indoor voices!”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: 4–8

 

Dude! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Dan Santat (April 2018)

From Goodreads: “Aaron Reynolds, the author of Nerdy Birdy and Creepy Carrots! teams up with Dan Santat, the Caldecott–winning illustrator behind The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend to create the hilarious, gnarly summer adventure picture book, Dude!

Dude! You have to read this book.

It’s totally about this platypus and this beaver who are friends. They want to go surfing but dude, there’s this shark who’s in the ocean, too.

But don’t worry. This shark approaches and you’ll never guess what happens.”

Pages: 40

Reading Age: 4–8

 

Hark! A Shark! by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu (January 2013)

From Goodreads: “In this latest installment of the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library, the Cat introduces beginning readers to all kinds of sharks! From the smallest (the dwarf lantern) to the largest (the whale shark), the most notorius (the great white) to the most obscure (the goblin), the Cat explains why sharks have lots of teeth but no bones; how their tough skin helps them swim fast and stay clean (inspiring scientists–and bathing suit manufacturers!); how pores along the sides of their bodies help them sense prey; that they have more to fear from us than we do from them, and much, much more! Perfect for shark and Cat (in the Hat) fanciers, fans of the new PBS Kids preschool science show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! will sink their teeth into this new addition to the series!”

Pages: 48

Reading Age: 3–6

 

How to Spy on a Shark by Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Francisca Marquez (September 2019)

From Goodreads: “Spend a day at sea tracking sharks—with the help of a robot! Join a team of marine biologists as they head out in their boat to study mako sharks. Simple, entertaining text and bright, accurate illustrations bring science and technology to life, and additional pages of facts about sharks follow the story. This book is bound to make a splash with young minds!”

Pages: 24

Reading Age: 4–8

 

How to Survive as a Shark by Kristen Foote, illustrated by Eric Salcedo (September 2017)

From Goodreads: “Ahoy, me mateys! Upset your Mom swam away after you were born? Cry me an ocean. You’ve got ME to show you the ropes! Well, at least until I get a craving for baby shark. Swim along and I’ll teach you how to hunt using all six senses (a whole sense more than a human), why you can NEVER stop moving (blimey, no — not even to sleep!), and what your most dangerous threat is (here’s a hint: those sneaky landlubbers don’t even live in our waters!). Aye, me hearties, learning How to Survive as a Shark is not as easy as it sounds! How to Survive as a Shark provides a unique take on fish science that will entertain and educate in and out of the classroom. Full of opportunities for extended learning, this book includes fun facts hidden throughout the hilarious illustrated story — and after, a glossary of important terms and some real great white shark photos. If you’ve ever wondered how to think and swim like a shark–and you like to laugh while you learn–this book is for you!”

Pages: 44

Reading Age: 5–10

 

If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams (May 2017)

From Goodreads: “A healthy ocean is home to many different kinds of animals. They can be
big, like a whale,
tiny, like a shrimp,
and even scary, like a shark.

Even though sharks can be scary, we need them to keep the oceans healthy. Unfortunately, due to overfishing, many shark species are in danger of extinction, and that can cause big problems in the oceans and even on land.

What would happen if this continued and sharks disappeared completely?

Artist Lily Williams explores how the disappearance would affect other animals across the whole planet in this clever book about the importance of keeping sharks, and our oceans, healthy.”

Pages: 40

Reading Age:  4–8

 

Land Shark by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Ben Mantle (August 2015)

From Goodreads: “The only thing Bobby wants for his birthday is a pet shark. So you can imagine his disappointment when his parents get him…a puppy. Everyone knows shark lovers can never become dog lovers. Or can they? Full of humor and heart, this book explores the idea that sometimes, getting exactly what you don’t want turns out to be exactly what you need.”

Pages: 36

Reading Age: 3–5

 

Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Scott Magoon (April 2018)

From Goodreads: “Every beachgoer knows that there’s nothing more terrifying than a… SHARRRK! But this shark is just misunderstood, or is he? In a wholly original, side-​splittingly funny story, New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Scott Magoon take this perennial theme and turn it on its (hammer)head with a brand-​new cheeky character.

The filming of an underwater TV show goes awry when the crew gets interrupted by a… SHARRRK! Poor Shark, he wasn’t trying to scare them, he’s just misunderstood! Then he’s accused of trying to eat a fish. Will Shark ever catch a break? After all, he wasn’t going to eat the fish, he was just showing it his new tooth! Or was he? Explosively funny, extraordinarily clever, and even full of fun shark facts, this surprisingly endearing story gets to the heart of what it feels like to be misunderstood by the people around you. With a surprise twist ending, our Misunderstood Shark will have kids rolling with laughter!”

Pages: 48

Reading Age: 3–5

 

Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever–or Snack Time? by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Michael Slack (March 2015)

From Goodreads: “In the deep ocean, tiny Nugget and big, toothy Fang get along swimmingly—until Nugget’s first day of minnow school. There Nugget learns that minnows are supposed to be afraid of sharks! To regain Nugget’s trust, Fang takes desperate (and hilarious) measures. But it’s not until his big sharp teeth save the entire school that minnows learn this shark is no foe. Fantastically stylized artwork adds even more humor to this undersea story of unlikely friendship.”

Pages: 40

Reading Age: 4–7

 

Sharkabet: A Sea of Sharks from A to Z by Ray Troll (February 2002)

From Goodreads: “Sharkabet: A Sea of Sharks from A to Z is a thrilling, chilling book for children of all ages. Featuring Ray Troll’s spectacular fishy art, this book portrays sharks both living and extinct.”

Pages: 40

Reading Age: 7–9

 

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns (June 2017)

From Goodreads: “At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-​related myths she dispelled, Eugenie’s wide scientific contributions led to the well-​earned nickname ‘Shark Lady.’ ”

Pages: 40

Reading Age: 4–8

 

Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (April 2010)

From Goodreads: “Shark VS. Train!
WHO WILL WIN?!

If you think Superman vs. Batman would be an exciting matchup, wait until you see Shark vs. Train. In this hilarious and wacky picture book, Shark and Train egg each other on for one competition after another, including burping, bowling, Ping Pong, piano playing, pie eating, and many more! Who do YOU think will win, Shark or Train?”

Pages: 40

Reading Age: 4–8

 

Sharks: And Other Dangers of the Deep by Roger Priddy (October 2005)

From Goodreads: “Close-​up photographs of sharks and other fascinating creatures. Large format book Great for school projects.”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: 4–7

 

Slickety Quick: Poems About Sharks by Skila Brown, illustrated by Bob Kolar (March 2016)

From Goodreads: “Fourteen shark species, from the utterly terrifying to the surprisingly docile, glide through the pages of this vibrantly illustrated, poetic picture book.

From the enormous whale shark to the legendary great white to the enigmatic goblin shark to the small cookie-​cutter shark, Slickety Quick is a delightful frenzy of shark mayhem. Mysterious species such as the camouflaged wobbegong and the elusive frilled shark share the waters with better-​known blue and nurse sharks, each commemorated in a poem by Skila Brown and illustrated by Bob Kolar. Sneaky shark facts ripple through each spread to further inform the brave and curious young reader intrigued by the power — and danger — of these amazing creatures.”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: 6–9

 

Smiley Shark and the Great Big Hiccup! by Ruth Galloway (May 2013)

From Goodreads: “Oh no! Smiley Shark has the biggest hiccups ever! Hic, Hic, Hicuuuuuup! Soon he is doing roly-​polies with Starfish, being tickled by Octopus, and holding his breath with Pufferfish. But nothing’s working! Will his friends ever put a stop to his big and bothersome hiccups? This hilarious sequel to the best-​selling Smiley Shark by Ruth Galloway will soon have you in fits too! The perfect picture book for any three to six year-​old who loves sea-​creatures, sharks and silliness!”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: 2–6

 

Surprising Sharks by Nicola Davies, illustrated by James Croft (April 2005)

From Goodreads: “Why does a swell shark blow up like a party balloon? What does a lantern shark use its built-​in lights for? Full of fun facts, here’s a surprising book about sharks that kids can really get their teeth into.

“SHAAAARRRKK!” That’s probably the last word anyone wants to hear while swimming in the warm blue sea. But most sharks aren’t at all what people expect. In fact, those who think all sharks are giant, man-​eating killers are in for a surprise! The compelling narrative, colorful illustrations, and captivating facts in SURPRISING SHARKS reveal that sharks come in all shapes and sizes — and probably should be more afraid of humans than we are of them.”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: AGES 3–7

 

Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang, illustrated by Jordi Solano (December 2016)

From Goodreads: “Before Eugenie Clark’s groundbreaking research, most people thought sharks were vicious, blood-​thirsty killers. From the first time she saw a shark in an aquarium, Japanese-​American Eugenie was enthralled. Instead of frightening and ferocious eating machines, she saw sleek, graceful fish gliding through the water. After she became a scientist an unexpected career path for a woman in the 1940s she began taking research dives and training sharks, earning her the nickname “The Shark Lady.”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: 4–8

 

The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Ken Geist, illustrated by Julia Gorton (May 2007)

From Goodreads: “A hilarious retelling of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, with foil on the cover!

“Little fish, little fish, let me come in.” “Not by the skin of my finny fin fin!” “Then I’ll munch, and I’ll crunch, and I’ll smash your house in!” Mama tells her three little fish that it’s time to make their own homes. Jim builds his house of seaweed, but the big bad shark munches it up. Tim builds his house of sand, but the shark crunches it up. It’s smart Kim who sets up house in an old sunken ship! Children will delight in this silly story with funny, eye-​popping illustrations. And there’s foil on the cover!”

Pages: 32

Reading Age: 3–6