Sharky Marky and the Big Race - Hardcover

Sharky Marky and The Big Race is a story that epitomizes that life, in itself, is one BIG race. Even though it can be challenging and filled with difficulties, who says we can't have fun along the way? That is what I had in mind when writing the story. I wanted the emphasis to be on having fun(which is essential to encourage reading for children) and on the wonderful things that can happen when a determined shark on wheels doesn't give up when faced with insurmountable odds. Of course, Sharky Marky cannot do it alone! I added the element where the reader becomes a vital part of the story by using numbers to cheer Sharky Marky to come back to win. I know many times in life many of us have overcome challenging situations where the only reason we succeeded was from the encouragement from others. I loved writing 'The Big Race' because the story shows that perseverance, inspiration, learning, and having a fun time can all be weaved together to tell a story every child can enjoy.

"Like SpongeBob SquarePants for the younger crowd, this beautiful book is sure to delight young minds. In Sharky Marky and the Big Race, author Lance Olsen and illustrator Thomas Perry weavea suspenseful story in which a shark on wheels tackles adversity and comes up from behind to win the big prize."~Foreword/Clarion Book Reviews 5 stars

Sharky Marky and the Big Race by Lance Olsen is a really cute children's picture book that pits Sharky Marky in a race against his friends and other animals in the water kingdom. The reader has to help Sharky Marky count down to give him enough speed to race around competitors like Octo Eddy, Meanie Marlin, and Peter Puffer. With vibrant colors, beautiful illustrations, and cute, rhythmic rhyme, Sharky Marky is sure to become a family favorite to be read over and over!"~Readers' Favorite 5 stars

"SHARKY MARKY'S BIG RACE is cause for a count down to cheers."
~IndieReader

"A fun children's book for ages 3-5 about a racecar-driving shark. The colors are vibrant and the illustrations of the different animals will be appealing to kids. The story is fun and energetic, and as the book counts down with "Say '10′ real loud..." one could imagine kids really getting into the spirit of things. Sharky Marky is definitely a character that kids will want to come back to time and again." ~Self-Publishing Review 4½ Stars