Shark Bait!

Gr 2-4–Orly loves sharks. Every year, she and her family go to the seaside to visit her grandmother, but she’s never seen a real shark. This year, Delta the infamous great white shark is reported to be in the area, and Orly can’t wait to get wet. There’s just one problem: Her parents have signed her up for sailing lessons. At first, sailing seems like it could be fun—but her instructor, Dave, doesn’t believe Orly when she says there is a shark in the area. Ben, her classmate, is squeamish at the thought of sharks. Her new friend, Dean, shares her interest. One day while out on the water, Delta is in close proximity to Orly’s sailboat. Will Orly get to see her first shark? Whamond’s eye-catching illustrations are detailed and complement the text well. The prose and plot are simple enough for reluctant readers, but engaging enough to hold their interest.