Clark the Shark loves Christmas more than anyone! When Clark’s class organizes a Secret Santa exchange, Clark decides to find out who will be giving him a present . . . and forgets to get a present for his Secret Santa! What will happen on the day of the gift exchange? Will Clark learn about Christmas giving? Featuring bright, colorful artwork from Guy Francis and hilarious read-aloud text from Bruce Hale, this Clark the Shark picture book is the perfect story for Christmas reading fun. Clark the Shark: Afraid of the Dark is a 2016 Children’s Choice Book Award finalist! PreS-Gr 2—Irrepressible underwater elementary schooler Clark the Shark is back in another adventure designed to help kids understand the complicated ways of the world. His friend Joey Mackerel tries to explain that there's more to Christmas than decorations, cookies, and caroling, but it isn't until a near debacle during the classroom Secret Santa celebration that Clark learns "If you want to be smart, always give from the heart!" The youthful sea creatures and their ever-patient octopus teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, celebrate in style with seaweed garlands and a starfish-topped coral Christmas tree. VERDICT A welcome episode for established fans and those new to this appealing picture book series.—Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library Clark LOVES Christmas! He loves everything about it, including his class’s Secret Santa celebration. But when everyone opens their presents, Clark wishes he’d spent more time figuring out a thoughtful gift instead of trying to guess the identity of his own Secret Santa. Readers will smile as Clark learns the true meaning of Christmas. Bruce Hale has written and/or illustrated over sixty books for kids and is the author of the Clark the Shark series; the award-winning Chet Gecko Mysteries series; Snoring Beauty , one of Oprah’s Recommended Reads for Kids; and the School for S.P.I.E.S. series. In his free time, Bruce enjoys hiking, watching movies, and making music. He lives in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife, dog, and many hats. You can catch him online at brucehale.com. Guy Francis spends most of his time drawing, painting, and drawing some more. He has done a variety of illustration work in the children’s market, including editorial and educational illustration, chapter books, and picture books. He freelances from his home in Provo, Utah, where his wife and four children are his own personal art critics and bring a healthy bit of chaos to the studio. Every now and then he gets out of the house and heads to the mountains with his family. You can visit him online at www.guyfrancis.com.