Don't Eat The Teacher by Nick Ward (Illustrator), Monica Gesue (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Sammy is a shark with a bad habit--when he gets excited, he bites things. And on the first day of school, he's very excited. He (accidentally) bites the kitchen table, (almost) eats a friend while playing tag, and... (gulp!) swallows the teacher! But Sammy quickly learns his lesson: "Don't eat the stories, don't eat the paintings, don't eat the classroom, and...DON'T EAT THE TEACHER!" Kids will laugh out loud at the fun text and bright, bold illustrations. And they'll wonder about the corner bitten off of the book--did Sammy eat that, too?

Publishers Weekly

"When Sammy became too excited, he had the unfortunate habit (as all young sharks do) of biting things." Hence, the admonition in British author Ward's cheeky title. Can Sammy, who is otherwise a cute, eager fellow, curb his enthusiasm so that the entire school doesn't end up as shark bait? The answer, as Ward gleefully chronicles in buoyant, brightly colored cartoons, is no. Sammy eats his school friend (but spits him right out), the circle time book, his art project and, yes, finally, the lobster teacher (who might be guilty of provoking the behavior by saying things like "Here's a story we can really sink our teeth into" and "Now you are a storm.... A terrible storm destroying everything in its path"). However, everyone seems to take Sammy's behavior in stride in fact, the pupil confidently takes to school like, well, a fish to water. The story feels somewhat slight and rushed, and there are no repercussions for the protagonist, who has indeed digested his teacher. But nervous first-time schoolgoers should appreciate (and chime in on) the succession of punch lines. Observant readers will spot plenty of visual jokes as well. In Sammy's house, a mouse wears snorkeling gear; in the classroom, a display labeled "Interesting things we have found" showcases various human flotsam, including a set of false teeth and a toupee. Ages 3-6. (Aug.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 1-Sammy the shark is so excited about starting school that he can't control his jaws. He bites through the kitchen table, then eats a classmate (but spits her out). He eats his painting, chews up the classroom, and then he almost eats the teacher. The lively illustrations show colorful, cartoon fish swimming through a classroom and smiling Sammy eagerly crunching everything in sight. Children will enjoy this as a read-aloud, chiming in on the chorus, "Oh, Sammy! Don't eat-." An additional but humorous, back-to-school story.-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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