Nugget and Fang Race Around the Reef, written by Tammi Sauer, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This interactive book, tells the story about the friendship between two very different fish in the sea. The main characters in this tale Nugget, a minnow and Fang, a shark compete in a race with their fellow sea friends to celebrate Reef Day. While some of the swimmers in the race got up in sea anemone and bubbles, Fang and Nugget were the last remaining swimmers in the race.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a really good read aloud book for parents and/or teachers reading to young kids. The interactiveness of this book is perfect for keeping kids engaged throughout story time. It is a great read for elementary level kids who are learning more advanced words and looking to further their reading skills. The book is extremely colorful and the drawings portray large, intimidating characters in a kind and friendly manner. It has a basic yet quite interesting plot that can be easily understood by young kids. The watercolor used to complete the illustrations allows young kids to truly connect with the drawings. The language in this book makes it perfect for a bedtime read for children. Rather than conveying a competitive tone to give kids the wrong impression, the book adapts a more lively and delightful tone. Also, the vocabulary used over the course of the story makes it easy enough for young kids to understand and relate to. Before the race starts, the octopus says, “On your mark. Get set. Go, Fish!” This phrase engages the children listening to this story as it reminds them of a time that they participated in a race and allows them to relate to the characters in the story. This book is perfect for teaching kids about kindness and healthy competition between friends. Rather than getting upset when it was just the two of them left in the race, Nugget and Fang decided to embrace a good attitude by crossing the finish line together.