Brother and sister Stephen and Sabrina find themselves on an island in the South Pacific with no friends and months before school starts as their parents, marine biologists, conduct research. After a storm hits the island, the siblings discover an injured baby shark in a tide pool. Thanks to their knowledge of sea animals, they’re able to help nurse the shark back to health, a favor that gets repaid later. Though its story is simple and somewhat unrealistic, An Unusual Friend encourages a love for ocean life, compassion for beings other than humans, and the performance of good deeds. Christina Berry’s gorgeous digital illustrations shine throughout, imbuing the tale and the characters with a sense of emotion and depth not found in the text, all while beautifully capturing the island scenery.

While full of heart, this short book offers little character development, and the hard-to-believe ending -- which involves the kids swimming into danger to face a full-sized great white shark and ultimately riding and guiding it to pull a crashed boat back to shore -- is a surprising swerve in an otherwise humble narrative. Sharks portrayed as sensitive, intelligent creatures is a welcome change of pace, but in its personification of them An Unusual Friend invites readers to hold unrealistic expectations about creatures that are indeed dangerous. The story centers the siblings’ experience entirely, offering no chance for the marine biologist parents to provide oversight or helpful information.

Despite its narrative flaws, An Unusual Friend nurtures in young readers agency, compassion, and a love for science. Coupled with Berry’s majestic portrayals of island life (those sunsets!), An Unusual Friend earns a spot on the shelves of sensitive and science-minded kids--or those who harbor a fantasy of making friends with an unlikely creature. It’s a welcome addition to the collection of any shark fan or budding marine biologist’s collection.

Takeaway: With simple text and gorgeous illustrations, An Unusual Friend is an inspiring (if unrealistic) portrayal of respect for ocean life and the caring of other creatures.

Great for fans of: Alan Rabinowitz’s A Boy and A Jaguar, Philipe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson’s Follow the Moon Home, Jess Keating’s Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B