Celebrating the competitive spirit of imagination at its silliest extreme, two children contemplate a face-off between favorite toys—a shark and a train—in a wide range of scenarios. In some, one toy or the other boasts an obvious advantage: shark aces the high-dive jump, while train’s flame-belching smokestack gives him an edge in the burping contest. Other times they share equally in success or failure—their lack of thumbs prevents either from video game prowess. Competition in a range of venues—trick-or-treating, performing in a piano recital, sword fighting on a tightrope—continues, until a call to lunchtime sends both children running off, and their favorite toys are tossed aside without ceremony until the next play time. The ridiculous contests and their visual depiction invite young readers to contemplate additional head-to-head battles between these two heroes, or other champions of their own choosing. (Ages 3–6)

Shark VS. Train! WHO WILL WIN?!

If you think Superman vs. Batman would be an exciting matchup, wait until you see Shark vs. Train. In this hilarious and wacky picture book, Shark and Train egg each other on for one competition after another, including burping, bowling, Ping Pong, piano playing, pie eating, and many more! Who do YOU think will win, Shark or Train?

[star] "This is a genius concept." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

[star] "Lichtenheld's snarling shark and grimacing train are definitely ready for a fight, and his scenarios gleefully play up the absurdity. The combatants' expressions are priceless when they lose. A glum train in smoky dejection, or a bewildered, crestfallen shark? It's hard to choose; both are winners." -- Kirkus, starred review