Shark at Sister Tea by Barbara M. Joosse, Sergio Ruzzier
ISBN: 0593646940
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings, Fantasy, Suspense
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

When two sisters are alone for the first time without their parents, Sadie and little Flora decide to create an elaborate sister tea party. They wind ribbons through the trees and serve up cake with roses and were having a splendid time with Flora’s Little Blue bear stuffed animal until: Oh no, who’s that strange guest at the gate?

A rude “fisherman” joins the tea party, until the sisters spy his pointy fin pop through his yellow raincoat. They narrowly escape a shark’s attack with the bravery that sisters can show for each other. When their parents sail back, the sisters wonder if they might tell their parents, or keep this afternoon’s happening to themselves.

With occasional rhymes and evocative language, Joose’s writing will likely capture children’s attention along with Ruzzier’s watercolors and sweet characters. While the story is imaginative, caregivers and educators will likely feel conflicted about the message of sisters keeping a secret from their parents about the shark attack. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath