kemendraugh's review against another edition
5.0
I wish there was a whole series about this kid! So great.
lahars_little_library's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful short graphic novel. I love the authentic Hawaiian culture!
Level R
Level R
ajworkman77's review against another edition
2.0
Not enough story, or character development. I loved Night Fisher, but this felt forced and not appropriate for young readers or high level readers.
ccapps's review against another edition
4.0
This retelling of a Hawaiian myth in comic book format was complimented by its wonderful art and pacing. The story, while strange, has its high points and sad points. I'm not sure if there is a moral or an origin story hidden in there or if this was just a story parents told their children at night, but either way I enjoyed the read.
One highlight of the book for me was the last page which has an illustration of one of the characters playing checkers (or a game like checkers) with a crab. It made me laugh out loud and when I pointed it out to my girl, she laughed and said I didn't notice that when I read it, so I wanted to make sure everyone else glanced at the last page for the chuckle.
One highlight of the book for me was the last page which has an illustration of one of the characters playing checkers (or a game like checkers) with a crab. It made me laugh out loud and when I pointed it out to my girl, she laughed and said I didn't notice that when I read it, so I wanted to make sure everyone else glanced at the last page for the chuckle.
abigailbat's review against another edition
4.0
This graphic retelling of a Hawaiian myth makes for poignant reading.
backtobacklist's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
4.0
seawarrior's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smitty2567's review against another edition
4.0
Folktale
Target Audience: Grades 1-2
Summary:
Main Characters: Nanaue (half god/half mortal boy); Kalei (Nanaue's mother); Shark King (Nanaue's father)
Setting: Hawaii, long ago.
Narrative: Nanaue, son of a mortal woman and the Shark King, is born with an extra shark mouth on his back. As Nanaue grows more hungry for adventure (and fish!), his parents try to protect him from suspicious and frightened humans.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
The sequence of this graphic novel would be very easy to follow for a beginning reader. The language used is simple but not repetitive. And the drawings are attractive, colorful, and easy to interpret.
The story left me with a lot of questions about the legend of the Shark King and Nanaue. That could be a positive if it encourages students to hunt for more books on Hawaiian legends or it could make the book unsatisfying.
Personal critique:
I would recommend this book to students. It should be a fun introduction to folktales and legends that aren't traditional European fairy stories. Also, the graphic novel format is accessible to a lot of different readers.
Illustrations:
Color illustrations
Notable awards:
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Children (2012)
Lesson Planning:
This graphic novel would work well for a unit on legend and folktales as well as learning more about the culture of Hawaii.
Target Audience: Grades 1-2
Summary:
Main Characters: Nanaue (half god/half mortal boy); Kalei (Nanaue's mother); Shark King (Nanaue's father)
Setting: Hawaii, long ago.
Narrative: Nanaue, son of a mortal woman and the Shark King, is born with an extra shark mouth on his back. As Nanaue grows more hungry for adventure (and fish!), his parents try to protect him from suspicious and frightened humans.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
The sequence of this graphic novel would be very easy to follow for a beginning reader. The language used is simple but not repetitive. And the drawings are attractive, colorful, and easy to interpret.
The story left me with a lot of questions about the legend of the Shark King and Nanaue. That could be a positive if it encourages students to hunt for more books on Hawaiian legends or it could make the book unsatisfying.
Personal critique:
I would recommend this book to students. It should be a fun introduction to folktales and legends that aren't traditional European fairy stories. Also, the graphic novel format is accessible to a lot of different readers.
Illustrations:
Color illustrations
Notable awards:
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Children (2012)
Lesson Planning:
This graphic novel would work well for a unit on legend and folktales as well as learning more about the culture of Hawaii.
floodfish's review
3.0
Nobody draws better. Just beautiful. Also sorta sterile— there's no depth to the characters or their world. The storytelling is slight, and emotionless to a fault. Not sure how intentional it is, but I guess it's kind of charming that it has the flow of a an old-fashioned children's educational comic?
chitownjr's review
3.0
This graphic representation of an old Hawaiian folktale is designed for beginning readers. I think it would be especially appealing to boys since the story focuses on the shark king and his son, Nanaue. Nanaue is the progeny of a human woman and the shark king who can change into a human or other creature at will. His son inherits some of those magical powers and has a fin that emerges out of his back along with a superb swimming ability. Like many children in myth, Nanaue grows up much faster than most children and seems to have almost superhero powers. At the end of the book he has to dive into the sea to escape angry villagers and thus is reunited with his father the shark king.
The text is very limited with most of the pages filled with simple graphic images. The use of word bubbles and other conventions of comic books helps beginning readers know who is speaking. The illustrations show what is happening and reinforce what is happening in the story.
I see this as a book better geared to the individual reader than a read aloud. According to the Level guide in the back, this book is designed for advanced beginners in grades 2-3.
I like the inclusion of reading tips for parents and teachers. A lot of adults assume comic books and graphic novels don’t teach literacy so the tips at the end are a helpful way to make the point that comics indeed help kids read, and think. I think kids will enjoy reading this book, especially boys.
The text is very limited with most of the pages filled with simple graphic images. The use of word bubbles and other conventions of comic books helps beginning readers know who is speaking. The illustrations show what is happening and reinforce what is happening in the story.
I see this as a book better geared to the individual reader than a read aloud. According to the Level guide in the back, this book is designed for advanced beginners in grades 2-3.
I like the inclusion of reading tips for parents and teachers. A lot of adults assume comic books and graphic novels don’t teach literacy so the tips at the end are a helpful way to make the point that comics indeed help kids read, and think. I think kids will enjoy reading this book, especially boys.