The Shark King: Toon Books Level 3 - Tapa dura

Johnson's beautiful, graphic style recalls, of all things, Gilbert Hernandez' early Palomar comics, with zippy figures set against equatorial backgrounds distinguished by a few key features--a waterfall and fruit tree here, a tidal pool and coral reef there. The crafty panel layouts plunge into a couple of full-bleed splash pages with all the exhilaration of a high dive. While simple enough to keep brand-new and below-level readers in tow--and strengthen their vocabulary with contextual clues--this charming, high-energy Hawaiian fable will reveal deeper layers to more intuitive readers. --Booklist (starred review) Sharks, superpowers, and the comic-panel format will initially lure in readers, but the subtext of bullying, parental separation, and self-discovery will stay with them long afterward. The characters' rounded black outlines convey strong energy and emotion, while the panels and spreads feature a lush, colorful Hawaiian setting. --The Horn Book (starred review) This graphic novel, which works either as a read-aloud or as a step toward chapter books for young readers, offers a story especially appealing to boys who long to be just like Dad. --The New York Times

Meet Nanaue, a boy craving to be who he truly is. From the islands of Hawaii comes the electrifying tale of Nanaue, who has to balance his yearning for Dad's guidance with his desire for Mom's nurture. Award-winning cartoonist R. Kikuo Johnson transports young readers to the lush tropical shores of his native Hawaii. Fluent or not, young readers will be thrilled when they experience the transformative powers of a stirring literary work.