Farm Shark

In an antic barnyard comedy from Canterbury (the My Life Is Weird series) and Frost (Cats on Cats on Cats), the sudden arrival of an enormous shark tests the limits of a farm’s hospitality—and the reader’s ability to keep a straight face. The other animals have no sooner identified the upright-standing behemoth as a Farm Shark than he begins eating them—starting with Sheep, who has just declared “How fun! He looks so friendly.” Eventually, nearly the whole farm gang ends up in the perpetually salivating fish’s stomach, as do a passel of visiting chickens. But nobody’s gone for good—the creatures, more piqued than panicked, simply take up residence in “Stomachville” (Sheep tries to organize bingo). And when brown-skinned Farmer Jolene arrives, her solution is absurdly simple: a belly tickle sends the entire population flying back out, and Shark promises to knock off nomming Jolene’s animals. Crisp lines, flat colors, and lots of googly eyes amplify a rules-don’t-apply energy, making for an entertaining romp that’s best swallowed whole. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: James McGowan, BookEnds Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. (June)