I liked the illustrations and the fact that it was based on a Hawaiian Myth. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. The story was so interesting and engaging. I never felt as if there was a dull moment in this book. The story included so many elements such as imagery, culture, family, and bravery. It showed the readers that good deeds really do get rewarded and that kindness is always the best option. The children in this story chose to help free a shark that was in distress, despite their fellow villager’s cruelty and hatred, and despite their knowledge of the sharks destructive power and dangerous instincts: “we mean no harm…we only want to free you.” The book even included a bit about the consequences of greed. The little boy and girl were tempted by the island king’s drum, “Kapu,” that was “forbidden for anyone but the king to touch…but no one was there, and oh how they wanted to drum out their triumph.” The children are caught by the king, even though he had been watching them intently so that he could arrest them, and are sentenced death for their unlawful actions. The book even has added Hawaiian words in the book to further support the integration of Hawaiian culture. The story is very heartfelt, as the children are rescued by the shark god who was moved by their parents’ desperate plea to save their children, and gratitude for saving one to his sharks. The story is written so incredibly well. I firmly believe that children’s book should be told as if someone is sharing a story with you, and in my opinion, this author is an extremely talented story teller. I was intrigued by the characters and the plot in such a way, that I felt as if the author had been right next to me while he told me this story. Finally, the pictures are exquisite. The colors are vibrant, the expressions and coloring of the characters show their emotions perfectly, and scenery is both symbolic and beautiful. ( )

Lore of Pacific Islanders based on the god of sharks and his relationship with native islanders. Story contains fear, suspense, surprise, and a happy ending taking readers on an emotional journey as two young children face death after saving a shark and breaking an island rule.

I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. I liked the book because the illustrations were very vivid and I was able to see a different side of David Shannon's illustrations. Unlike most of Shannon's work these illustrations were darker than his usual worker but they were still equally as beautiful. But I didn't like how this book did not have a constant fluency in the voice of the story. I felt as if the plot was very organized but the voice was not strong throughout the whole story. I would only recommend this book to a student who were interested in sharks. ( )

After two innocent children free a trapped shark, rather than allowing it to be killed, these two children celebrate by tapping on the kings drum, which is forbidden. When the hard-hearted king condemns these two children to death, their parents pay a call to the Shark God, who summons up a great wave that destroys the village.