Horn Book

Clark the Shark spends so much time wondering who will buy his gift, he forgets to buy a present for his class Secret Santa. After giving up the comic he bought for himself, Clark is happily surprised to receive the same gift in return. The illustrations of goofy sea creatures are mildly amusing in this somewhat trite meaning-of-Christmas series entry.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Clark the Shark-s personality is as big as ever in his fifth picture book, which focuses on the Christmas preparations at Theodore Roosterfish Elementary. The eyes of Clark-s aquatic classmates widen with alarm as he carols loudly and throws his weight around while decorating a kelp tree, but Clark-s biggest challenge comes when it-s time for Secret Santa: he-s so focused on figuring out who is getting him a gift that he doesn-t put much thought into his gift for Benny Blowfish. Come gift-opening time, Clark feels twinges of guilt and remorse, but Hale lets him off the hook pretty easily-Benny loves the Captain Suckermouth comic book Clark had originally purchased for himself. It-s a light, breezy reminder that the giving beats the getting where Christmas gifts are concerned. Ages 4-8. Author-s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator-s agency: Shannon Associates. (Sept.)

School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

PreS-Gr 2 Irrepressible underwater elementary schooler Clark the Shark is back in another adventure designed to help kids understand the complicated ways of the world. His friend Joey Mackerel tries to explain that there's more to Christmas than decorations, cookies, and caroling, but it isn't until a near debacle during the classroom Secret Santa celebration that Clark learns "If you want to be smart, always give from the heart!" The youthful sea creatures and their ever-patient octopus teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, celebrate in style with seaweed garlands and a starfish-topped coral Christmas tree. VERDICT A welcome episode for established fans and those new to this appealing picture book series. Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library