Please Note:

No sharks where harmed in the making of this book.

A long time ago, Shark was the fastest swimmer in the ocean. He loved to brag about this saying “Oh, what a pity it takes you so long to chase your prey, whereas when I am simply drifting I am faster than you!” Then to prove his words, he would whirl around, beat his tail next to your face, and race off. 

Eventually Whale got so tired and annoyed by this that she challenged Shark to a race around the coral reef. This greatly surprised everyone, because we all knew that Whale was one of the slowest swimmers in the ocean. Then again, I suppose she was as tired of flinching from his tail as the rest of us. 

VS.

“Me? Race you?” scoffed Shark “I could easily beat you!” However Whale ignored his rude comment and continued calmly, “The first one to circle the coral reef wins. If you win you may be king of the sea, if I win then you lose your bragging rights and Sailfish becomes the fastest swimmer in the ocean.” There was an round of gasps;  only the Whales were able to decide who was in charge of the sea. But they never nominated anyone. Nor, (some say) ever even considered it. Whale was taking a mighty risk. 

“Me - fast?” gaped Sailfish.  I shot him a nervous glance, but the two competitors took no notice.  Shark had quickly gotten over his shock “Deal!” he sneered “But first I shall make this clear - you are making the biggest mistake in your life.  No one has ever, nor will ever, be faster than Shark.”  Whale simply replied “Starfish will be starter, Pufferfish will be finisher, and we will begin at the pink coral patch.” So after Starfish created the start line and Pufferfish hung the finish line, it began.

 “3, 2, 1, Go!” Starfish squeaked, Shark dashed away “Eat my bubbles!” while Whale slowly glided past the starting line. 

Shark was half way around the coral reef when he stopped.  “I think I will hunt.  After all I did not get lunch and it shall be the last time I ever have to hunt for when I am king of the sea the fish will have to leap into my mouth!” With that he swam away to find the nearest school of Tuna.