A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Were Riding a Bicycle

K-Gr 2–Fenske returns to his three friends to tell a meta-tale filled with snark. This picture book is a little different; all the jokes center around the narration and how unicorn, dinosaur, and shark will not be forced into telling a story with which they don’t agree. A unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark are at the beach and definitely not riding a bike. Geez, can’t the book narrator get the story straight? Well, maybe if the narrator tries a few different descriptions the three pals will agree. Nope, this is going to be a battle of wills. But the unicorn, dinosaur, and shark do want to tell their story, it just has to truly represent their actions, thoughts, and attitudes. In the end, will they ride the bicycle? Maybe, maybe not. The language is more complex to deliver dialogue dripping with humor. The bright illustrations use a highly detailed comic style which exaggerates expressions both facial and physical. There’s no “message,” but instead a focus on humorous delivery, encouraging story analysis. Educators and caregivers will surely be asked to “do the voices.” Fenske continues to deliver stories deserving repeat reads, which help foster independent reading.