The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth is a story that shows us that courage, friendship and goodness comes in all kinds of packages.
Minnow is different to the other girls in her town and there’s plenty to set her apart: the blossom of pale scars which lie beneath her delicate ears, her affinity with the water which leaves people speechless, and the time when, in deep, deep water, her body began to glow like a sunken star.
When her mum gets into trouble and is taken from their boat in the dead of night, Minnow is alone with one instruction: “sail to Reykjavik to find your grandmother, she will keep you safe’. Minnow has never sailed on her own before, but the call of the deep is one she’s been waiting to answer her whole young life.
Perhaps a girl who is lost on land can be found in the Wild Deep.
I first came across Cerrie Burnell when she joined the children’s channel ‘CBeebies’ over eight years ago. It was a channel I watched regularly with my son when he was very young and one that we were both very fond of. I remember Cerrie because she was a great presenter but I also remember being pleased that this channel who assisted me with teaching my child at such an early age, were brave enough to chose a presenter who looked slightly different to what is considered the ‘norm’; a presenter that may arouse some curiosity amongst it’s young viewers and offer the opportunity to explore the differences amongst us all.
Any child should be able to find a character they can relate to in books but children should also be able to read strong characters that are different to them too. To immerse your child in diversity from an early age, I believe, is vital. To teach them that each and EVERY individual is unique, important and has so much to offer the world. I’ve noticed over the years, both as a parent and working with young children, that they are curious when they encounter something different but they do not judge; it is the influence of the reactions around them that will then, I believe, cause the judgement to kick in.
Cerrie has moved on from presenting CBeebies and is writing fiction for children. Inspired by her own dual heritage daughter she wanted to expand on the young heroines out there for our young readers. When it comes to her writing Cerrie herself says “Families like mine are so rarely represented in children’s literature in a positive magical context, so I wanted to create characters who reflect us but are bound up in adventure.”
I was intrigued to read The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth. As always, I try not to consider what I know about the author and let the story speak for itself…and this one certainly does. Cerrie is a natural storyteller. Her empathy, kindness and sense of adventure comes through in her characters. Young readers will love the adventure and magic within the pages. I loved the illustrations throughout, they weaved in amongst the story perfectly, framing the beautifully depicted world that Cerrie has created. The leading characters are strong, fearsome and memorable. Young Minnow is feisty and courageous; the love and bond she shares with her mother driving her forward to face whatever danger is thrown at her. Minnow has been raised on stories and song and it is these that she turns to when life becomes confused and her path feels uncertain. The story itself is exciting, filled with wonder and peril. This will be a wonderful book for all middle grade readers but also as a book to be shared and enjoyed together with younger readers.
Thank you to Oxford University Press for sending me the review copy. It has been an absolute joy to read and I certainly hope we will be seeing more from Cerrie Burnell.
About the Author
Cerrie Burnell is an actor and writer best known for her work on CBeebies, a role that has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. In 2011 Cerrie was named in the Observer’s top ten children’s presenters and the Guardian’s 100 most inspirational women. She has been an author in residence for Great Ormond Street and is a patron of Polka Theatre for children. She trained at Manchester Metropolitan and her credits prior to CBeebies include Eastenders, The Bill, Holby City and Grange Hill.
Cerrie’s one woman show The Magical Playroom opened at Edinburgh in 2013 and her Harper series, published by Scholastic, has been translated into twelve languages and was a World Book Day title in 2016. She is the author of several picture books including Snowflakes, which Cerrie adapted for the stage for the Oxford Playhouse in 2016. Cerrie left CBeebies in April 2017 with a commitment to push diversity in other directions. Since departing, Cerrie has played the role of Penny in the BBC’s Doctors, presented a documentary about the NHS, and written her debut middle grade book The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth, which she is very excited about.
