Shark vs. Train

Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

A New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller and finalist for the 2011 Children’s Choice Book Awards

“I’m going to choo-choo you up and spit you out.”

“Ha! I’m going to fin-ish you, mackerel-breath.”

Who will win? Well, that depends…

Named one of the best children’s books of the year by:

The Bank Street Children’s Book Committee

Barnes & Noble

BookPeople

Kirkus Reviews

Parents

Publishers Weekly

School Library Journal

The Washington Post

32 pages
Ages 4-8
2010
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316007627

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Praise for Shark vs. Train

For rambunctious boys, you can’t do better than Shark Vs. Train.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

[N]ot to be missed.

THE WASHINGTON POST

*Starred Review* Lichtenheld’s snarling shark and grimacing train are definitely ready for a fight, and his scenarios gleefully play up the absurdity. The combatants’ expressions are priceless when they lose. A glum train in smoky dejection, or a bewildered, crestfallen shark? It’s hard to choose; both are winners.

KIRKUS REVIEWS

*Starred Review* This is a genius concept … Just when readers will think the scenarios can’t get more absurd, the book moves into even funnier territory. … Lichtenheld’s watercolor cartoons have a fluidity and goofy intensity that recalls Mad magazine, while Barton gives the characters snappy dialogue throughout.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

*Starred Review* [I]maginative and very funny… The cleverly chosen contests reflect the imaginative powers of kids while retaining the consistent logic that’s also essential to play. … Energetic cartoon illustrations take full advantage of the visual possibilities. … This inspired pairing, executed with ingenuity and packed with action and humor, is a sure winner.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Barton’s imaginative and wacky scenarios are knocked home by Lichtenheld’s ferociously funny artwork and will leave kids measuring up their dump truck and T-Rex for the next tale of the tape.

ALA BOOKLIST

Honors

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Pennsylvania School Libraries Association)
2011-2012 Kindergarten-Grade 3 Winner

The Children’s Literature Association of Utah Beehive Award
2012 Picture Book Winner

Colorado Children’s Book Award
2012 Winner, Picture Book

Illinois School Library Media Association
2012 Monarch Award Winner

The Buckeye Children’s Book Award
2011 Winner, Grades K-2

Association of Indiana School Library Educators
2012-13 Winner, Young Hoosier Book Award – Picture Book

Children’s Choice Award for the State of Mississippi
2013 Nominee, Magnolia Award – Grades K-2

ReadKiddoRead
2011 Kiddo Award Editorial Pick – Illustrated Book

Writers’ League of Texas Book Award
2011 Finalist, Children’s Books

North Carolina Children’s Book Award
2012 Nominee, Picture Books

Wyoming Library Association Buckaroo Book Award
2011-12 Nominee

Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC)
CCBC Choices 2011

Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards (Cybils)
2010 Finalist – Fiction Picture Books

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
2011 Nominee – Notable Children’s Books

Texas Library Association
2011 2×2 Reading List

Chicago Public Library
Best of the Best 2011

Librarians’ Choices
2010 Master List

Parents’ Choice
Silver Honor