The Shark King / R. Kikuo Johnson / 2013Genre: fictionFormat: easy reader/ graphic novelPlot summary: Hawaiian folktale focuses on Nanaue, son of the shape-shifting shark god Kamohoalii. Raised by his human mother, and marked with a shark's mouth growing out of his back, Nanaue can't stop wondering where he belongs: on the land, or in the sea?Considerations: none Review citation:School Library Journal, vol 58, issue 05"The story is broken up into easily digestible chapters. There is a clear progression of the story that is facilitated by the page layout, but the fact that not every panel is displayed in the same format creates good variety. Kids will enjoy this simple yet mysterious story." Section source: School Library Journal Recommended age: 6-10 Some of this book is terrific. The pop art style illustrations in this "easy-to-read" comic are explosive and colorful, each panel packed with action. A re-telling of Hawaiian folklore, great. But some of the writing lacked depth, and there was some holes in the narrative that I thought needed sewn up using explanation or character development. I would still recommend this to an 7 year old new (and maybe reluctant) reader who wanted something fun and different from the usual easy reader pablum.
What do You think about The Shark King: Toon Books Level 3 (2012)?
A great book. Almost perfect. R. Kikuo Johnson is an amazing artist.
—karazuleger
Good graphic retelling for younger readers of a Hawaiian myth
—sweetishme
(see best books blog--in short, a fine adventure story.)
—ejaz
