Books like 'The Shark Caller'
Readers who enjoyed The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy action / adventure animals outdoors magical-realism friendship children grief poc-mc
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsA timeless tale by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, complete with stunning full-color plates by Bagram Ibatoulline, honors the enduring power of love."Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . ."Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship grief low-fantasy magical-realism -
![The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao]()
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIvan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship grief low-fantasy magical-realism -
![Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker]()
Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes the long-awaited sequel to Pax ; this is a gorgeously crafted, utterly compelling novel about chosen families and the healing power of love. A New York Times bestseller! It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives... -
![Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes]()
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 49 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship poc-mc xenofiction action-adventure -
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![Stella by McCall Hoyle]()
Stella by McCall Hoyle
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSTELLA has been nominated for 14 state awards in FL, ME, NE, NM, OK, PA, KY, KS, LA, AL, MA, SC & TX!"This empathetic read is also full of important themes and lessons for young readers bravery, how to overcome fears, and that mistakes don't have to define us... -
![If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff]()
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsA hungry little mouse appears on the doorstep. What can you do but give him a cookie? But then he will ask for a glass of milk, and when he’s finished it he’ll have to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn’t have a milky face. Of course, he’ll then want a pair of scissors to trim his hair...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction 20th-century action-adventure -
![Corduroy by Don Freeman]()
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsHave you ever dreamed of being locked in a department store at night? The endearing story of Corduroy paints a picture of the adventures that might unfold (for a teddy bear at least) in such a situation. When all the shoppers have gone home for the night, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missing button... -
![Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel]()
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsFrog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel]()
Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsOne summer day Toad was un- happy. He had lost the white, four- holed, big, round, thick button from his jacket. Who helped him look for it? His best friend, Frog. Another day, Frog was unhappy. He was sick in bed and looking green. Who gave him some tea and told him a story? His best friend, Toad...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood]()
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsLittle Mouse worries that the big hungry bear will take his freshly picked, ripe, red strawberry for himself and finds a very good way to keep it safe...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt]()
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsScaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro]()
Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIn the first book of this series, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong... -
![Stellaluna by Janell Cannon]()
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsStellaluna is the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers]()
The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe illustrated story of a dog who unwittingly becomes a hero to a park full of animals.Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison...Categorized as:
animals outdoors friendship children anthropomorphism magical-realism xenofiction low-fantasy -
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![Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann]()
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsOfficer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone else in Napville, but his dull presentations put his audiences to sleep. Enter Gloria, Napville's new police dog. Gloria knows just how to liven up the safety speeches--as long as Officer Buckle's back is turned! Full color...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure book -
![Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner]()
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsHere is the book that launched a thousand chimichangoes - the first in the best-selling series about the rambunctious Skippyjon Jones, the Siamese kitty boy with the overactive imagination. He would rather be El Skippito, the great sword fighter, who can do anything. Like saving a roving band of Mexican Chihuahuas from a humongous bumblebeeto that is tormenting them...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship poc-mc xenofiction action-adventure -
![Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson]()
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsOne by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae]()
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsGerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance," they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance. But with some sound advice from a wise cricket, Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond]()
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsMoose makes his debut in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series! This oversize (15- x 17-inch) big book edition is the perfect size for sharing in a classroom.If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure book -
![Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss]()
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas]()
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIt was time for the three little wolves to go out into the world, so off they went and built themselves a splendid brick house. But they hadn't reckoned on the big bad pig who soon came along and knocked their house down. The little wolves built a stronger house of concrete, in which they were sure to be safe. But that didn't stop the big bad pig, who made short work of it with a pneumatic drill... -
![The Rainbow Fish Mini-Book by Marcus Pfister]()
The Rainbow Fish Mini-Book by Marcus Pfister
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsA glittering stocking stuffer that will add sparkle to any child's Christmas Marcus Pfister's international bestseller has been specially packaged for holiday giving in an attractive mini-book edition. The book contains the complete text of the original hardcover edition along with the eye-catching holographic foil stamping that has captivated Rainbow Fish's millions of fans...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction 20th-century -
![Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin]()
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
![The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate]()
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family...Categorized as:
animals children friendship family anthropomorphism xenofiction middle-grade fiction -
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![Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier by Michelle Cuevas]()
Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier by Michelle Cuevas
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA TIME magazine Top 10 Children's Book of 2015The whimsical "autobiography" of an imaginary friend who doesn't know he's imaginary--perfect for fans of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Toy StoryJaques Papier has the sneaking suspicion that everyone except his sister Fleur hates him...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism retellings action-adventure arthurian -
![Chalk by Bill Thomson]()
Chalk by Bill Thomson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThree children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy...Categorized as:
animals children friendship low-fantasy magical-realism outdoors poc-mc action-adventure -
![Caterflies and Ice by Asia Citro]()
Caterflies and Ice by Asia Citro
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWith magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.In the fourth book, an unexpected snow storm causes trouble for the magical creatures of the forest... -
![I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll]()
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA unique monster-under-the-bed story with the perfect balance of giggles and shivers, this picture book relies on the power of humor over fear, appeals to a child’s love for creatures both alarming and absurd, and glorifies the scope of a child’s imagination. One night, when Ethan checks under his bed for his monster, Gabe, he finds a note from him instead: "Gone fishing. Back in a week... -
![The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland, Kari Sutherland]()
The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland, Kari Sutherland
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series, Tui T. Sutherland, and her sister, Kari Sutherland, comes the Menagerie series, perfect for fans of Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series and The Spiderwick Chronicles.In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings -
![The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan]()
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
![When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller]()
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSome stories refuse to stay bottled up...When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now, the tigers want it back... -
![Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig]()
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSTORIES TO GO!Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble and unthinkingly wishes himself turned into a rock when he's frightened by a lion. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving parents is a tender, magical tale of the transforming power of love. This Caldecott Medal-winning book is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere... -
![Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien]()
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 71 ratingsMrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism outdoors -
![Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Walt Disney Company]()
Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Walt Disney Company
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsNow new and old fans can relive the magic of this beloved film as it is retold in a beautiful full-color Little Golden... -
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![Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el, Tim Bowers]()
Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el, Tim Bowers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEverybody knows your typical dragon breathes fire.But when Crispin tries to breathe fire on his seventh birthday, fire doesn't come out—only whipped cream! Each time Crispin tries to breathe fire, he ends up withBand-Aidsmarshmallowsteddy bears?Crispin wonders if he’ll ever find his inner fire... -
![Gorilla by Anthony Browne]()
Gorilla by Anthony Browne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAnthony Browne’s incomparable artwork illuminates the deeply satisfying story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla, and their enchanted night out.Hannah spends all of her time reading gorilla books, watching gorilla TV shows, and drawing gorilla pictures. She has gorillas on her bedside lamp and even on her box of cereal...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism abuse action-adventure -
![Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston]()
Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers! Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Nevermoor.War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge... -
![Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague]()
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsA dog laments his fate at obedience school through a series of hilarious letters home.When Ike LaRue is "imprisoned" at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he tries everything to get sent home -- from weepy letters to his owner to illness. In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike's not cut out for life without Mrs. LaRue...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure book -
![Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk]()
Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA shy mouse who lives in the library decides to write and illustrate his own tales. When he's done, he put his books on the shelves. But when the children read the stories, they all wanted to meet the author..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
![City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems]()
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. “You’ll do,” Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog’s rock... -
![Finding Bear by Hannah Gold]()
Finding Bear by Hannah Gold
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe unmissable follow-up to the award-winning The Last Bear— perfect for fans of Rosanne Parry and Sara Pennypacker. April Wood has returned home from her adventure on Bear Island. But even though it's been a whole year, she can’t stop thinking about Bear...Categorized as:
animals family anthropomorphism children outdoors friendship middle-grade children-books -
![Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes]()
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThe irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia]()
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSeventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy... -
![Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes]()
Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
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![The Three Pigs by David Wiesner]()
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratings"Clever, whimsical and sophisticated.” —New York Times Book Review Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story . . -
![Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman]()
Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsEveryone loves the little girl who wears a red-hooded cloak, but no one more than her grandmother. One day, Grandmother gets sick, and Little Red Riding Hood sets out to visit her, carrying a basket of food as a present... -
![The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson, Joel Stewart]()
The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson, Joel Stewart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWith her magic paintbrush, Shen can paint steaming pots full of fish and oysters to feed the hungry people in her village, but when the evil emperor hears of her gift he commands Shen to paint gold for him instead...Categorized as:
children family myths poc-mc retellings action-adventure ancient-china ancient-civilization -
![Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner]()
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book... -
![Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young]()
Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAmerican Indian Youth Literature Award Best Middle Grade Book! Brian Young’s powerful debut novel tells of a seemingly ordinary Navajo boy who must save the life of a Water Monster—and comes to realize he’s a hero at heart... -
![Dolphin Song by Lauren St. John]()
Dolphin Song by Lauren St. John
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJust as Martine is settling into life on the wildlife game reserve, she is whisked away on a school trip. She must leave her white giraffe, Jemmy, for 2 weeks! Her class is going on an ocean voyage to witness the Sardine Run, a spectacular natural phenomenon, off the coast of South Africa...Categorized as:
animals children low-fantasy magical-realism outdoors action-adventure audiobook book
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