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Dad, There’s a Hammerhead in the Shed
Rum Charles
Reviewed by: Nicole Yurcaba, The US Review of Books
“Let me try one more time.”
In this book, young readers meet Vanessa, a curious youngster who discovers a hammerhead shark living in her family’s shed. The hammerhead has an unfortunate problem: it has a nail stuck in its nose. Vanessa works and works to help her new friend take care of the annoying issue. However, the nail won’t budge, and both Vanessa and the hammerhead grow frustrated. Along the way, however, readers see a unique friendship blossom between Vanessa and the shark.
This book is unique because of its message about the power of perseverance. Initially, every solution Vanessa’s father poses about how to remove the nail from the hammerhead’s nose fails. Nonetheless, Vanessa continues to work to find a solution to alleviate the hammerhead’s frustration and pain. Her perseverance echoes in a single line that embodies the book’s entire theme: “Let me try one more time.” Her character teaches young readers about the necessity for critical thinking and resourcefulness. She is also a great model for young ones regarding what it means to be independent. Even though Vanessa consults her father about what to do next, she mostly acts alone.
The book also instructs young readers about compassion and the reward that frequently accompanies helping others. This lesson opens up a conversation about helping and accepting those who are different. Vanessa makes the choice to help the hammerhead. At first, she is confused about why the shark is in her family’s shed. However, she isn’t afraid of the hammerhead, even though he is very different from her. Instead, she focuses on the fact that her visitor needs help because he is hurting. Vanessa’s actions remind young readers that thinking beyond one’s self and serving others can be one of the keys to having a meaningful existence. Her actions are also a careful reminder that overlooking the differences that exist between individuals and instead working together toward a common goal can benefit everyone.
Another pleasing feature of this book that will intrigue the author’s audience is the artwork. The unique, colorful illustrations by Kristeena Saville serve as a perfect complement to the tale. In fact, they tell a story all their own, creating a duality in the book. Young readers can engage with the text more meaningfully as they follow Vanessa and the hammerhead’s story via illustration and text. Additionally, this book offers a refreshing way to teach young readers about the importance of establishing meaningful friendships and relationships. It also gives them a strong lesson about trust. Even though the hammerhead returns to the ocean after Vanessa helps him, it is evident that her compassion had a great influence on the shark. Children can infer that their friendship will be able to overcome different environments and distances they may face as friends.
Overall, Charles’ book holds many valuable lessons for young readers. Its colorful illustrations will quickly engage them, and its humorous portrayal of a little girl who helps a hammerhead will make them laugh out loud. This book is also a careful reminder to everyone who reads it that they have the power to help others and embody the kindness and compassion they might desire to see in the world.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
