The Adventures of Cucho the Shark

Beatriz FerrariBook 3 in the Series

Cucho with his trumpet, and Otto the walrus with his double bass, were playing a new song about the moon and the waves. Then, Nails the hammer shark, came by with his drums. “Wait for me, wait for me!” he said. The Marine Orchestra was the most fun thing they had ever done.

“Wait for me, too!” said Richard, shaking his maracas. Another voice joined the group. Her name was Mary, and she was a hammer shark. She also was Nails’ sister. “Nails, our brother Clavito needs help!” she told him. “Why?” Nails replied. “Well, he found somethingfantastic, but it’s stuck in the sand” Mary explained. “Is Clavito stuck in the sand?” Nails asked. “No! The fantastic thing is!” his sister said. “We can all help, let’s go find him!” Cucho exclaimed. 3

They left their instruments in a safe place, and followed Mary, until Clavito found them. “Hi everybody, were you looking for me?” the little hammer shark said. “Yes, Clavito! Where is the fantastic thing stuck in the sand, and what is it?” Otto asked him. “It is right here, but I don’t know what it is, take a look!” Clavito said, pointing towards something that seemed to produce a sound. They all were so curious!

“I think it is a giant bicycle with just one tire!” said Richard. “Maybe it’s a machine to make noodles!” shouted Cucho. “It looks like one of those things to dry clothes!” said Otto. At that moment, Patitas the octopus showed up. “It is a harp!” he exclaimed. “A harp?” Otto asked. “Yes, a harp is a musical instrument, it’s big and has long cords” said Patitas. “Once I read a book about harps, they are wonderful” he explained. “Can I keep it?” asked Clavito, with a happy smile. 5

With care, they got the harp out of the sand. The water moved the cords and created a soft melody. “Clavito, you don’t know anything about harps” said Nails. “But I can learn!” replied the little hammer shark. Patitas offered to teach Clavito to play the harp. “Clavito can swim up and down, and reach the cords to make beautiful music” the octopus said. Nails looked at his sister, they smiled and said at the same time: “Alright!”

“When is our next concert?” Clavito asked, moving the cords. “Tomorrow!” said Judith, the dolphin, carrying a letter. She was the director of the orchestra. “I’m glad I found you all. We are invited to play at a school of fish” she explained. “I can help you carry the harp, Clavito” said Mary. “Actually, we need much bigger help… the place is very far away” Judith told them. “We have a problem, and an opportunity to solve it!” said Cucho. 7

Suddenly, something blue surprised them. “What are those nice sounds?” asked a blue whale. “It’s my harp!” replied Clavito. The sound travels faster in water than in air, and the whale had been attracted by the harp’s music, even at a very distant place. “These sounds made me smile, and I thank you for that. Is there anything I can do for you all?” the whale said. She was huge and friendly. “I see an opportunity here!” exclaimed Cucho. .

“Do you know the way to the school of fish?” Cucho asked the whale. Her name was Miranda. “Of course, that is where I come from!” she said. “Could you take us with you tomorrow, please? We have a concert, and many instruments to carry, especially the super harp” explained Richard. “I will be delighted to be your way of transportation!” replied the whale, all blue, and a with a kind heart.

Patitas taught Clavito how to play the harp. The first lesson of many more! The next day, they swam up on the generous whale, and traveled with the sound of music, and a choir of sardines following them. What a journey!

At the school of fish, the students and teachers applauded every song with their fins, paws, and tentacles. They loved the concert! But the happiest ones seemed to be Cucho and the Marine Orchestra, with their new members: Clavito, Mary and Miranda. A great team! A new day, a new adventure! 11

The Adventures of Cucho the Shark

Story, Illustrations and Graphic Design: Beatriz Ferrari

Copyrights © 2016 Beatriz Ferrari