Gilbert The Great

By Jane Clarke and Charles Fuge

Book Overview

Critically lauded bestselling artist Charles Fuge ( My Dad ; Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball ; I Know a Rhino; Found You Little Wombat!; It's a Monster Party ) returns with a new, beautifully illustrated picture book on a subject that every child can relate to: how it feels to have a good friend move away. Almost every child knows what it's like to move or to have a friend move away. With his dazzling undersea pictures in vibrant colors and a text full of heart and wit, Charles Fuge captures that sad feeling perfectly--and offers plenty of comfort, too. Ever since Gilbert the Great White Shark was a tiny pup, Raymond the Remora stuck to him like glue. Them, one day, Gilbert wakes to find his friend has left town to live somewhere new. "It's my fault," the little shark wails. "Last week I called him a sucker!" Nothing can console Gilbert: not his mother, not the funny clownfish, not his kind friends at school. Then he meets Rita, a disconsolate remora who has lost her shark. "I'd love to stick around with you," she smiles, as sunlight dances in her eyes. And that is the start of a beautiful new friendship. It's another Charles Fuge winner. Praise for Charles Fuge's Picture Books: I Know a Rhino: "[A] vivid rhyming picture book. The scenarios are all bright fun, and the ending is particularly satisfying. This will be a nice read-aloud for young children."-- Booklist "Fuge's bright, warmhearted and silly illustrations fill each spread....The playful, rhythmic text and bold pictures make this a surefire storytime hit. "-- School Library Journal Sometimes I like to Curl Up in a Ball : "Buoyant and darling, charming and fun. This simple picture book will keep kids hopping."-- School Library Journal. "Fuge relishes the opportunity to show each [character] striving for a highly idiosyncratic personal best."-- Publishers Weekly. It's a Monster Party "Fuge's colorfully imaginative illustrations make these lonely creatures endearing."-- School Library Journal

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402721692
• ISBN13: 9781402721694
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Union Square Kids
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Great is great; Deep is not

We were fortunate enough to have my 6-year old's librarian read this book to the class, shortly after our dog had died. Jane Clarke, the author, who also later came to his school, left open what happened to Raymond, allowing the student to speculate. The book provided an opportunity for a wonderful discussion. Unfortunately, her second Gilbert book (The Deep) isn't quite as tight and of questionable lesson (Gilbert disobeys his mom but learns the unknown isn't necessarily scary/makes new friends). My 6-year old even had issues with the book but always finding the positive remarked that the illustrator to the Gilbert Books was fantastic

Great Story for Kids who Have a Friend that is Moving Away.

I have to admit that I am a sucker for a kids book that depicts sharks as sweet gentle creatures with a wide range of emotions. There just aren't that many books with sharks as the protagonists. But more than that, this is good book (not "great", but worthy of several night-time bed readings). Gilbert the great white shark has a very best friend Raymond the ramora (also seen on cover). They share everything together ... and are shown enjoying one another in all sorts of activities. But one day, Raymond moves away with his family and Gilbert is left feeling all alone. He grieves the loss of his friend for quite some time, while several in the community try to cheer him up (including telling him that "there are plenty of other fish in the sea" ... chuckle, chuckle). But life just isn't the same without Raymond ... and Gilbert finds himself working through the grieving process. He gets angry at his loss, he blames himself for Raymond moving away, he feels guilt over their previous arguments, etc... until he reaches acceptance and begins to hope that Raymond is enjoying his new home. In the end, it is once he reaches acceptance that he discovers the joys of a new friend. Good story for all - but a great stry for those youngsters who are grieving the move of a close friend.

Gilbert the Great is a great book

I am 2 1/2 and I love this book. The pictures of the sharks are great and I like to find the stingrays. I am a big fan of all ocean life books so this is a great story.