Montauk Mike Childrens Book Is Very Popular Among The Hamptons

“Montauk Has A Very Hungry Shark,” a new children’s book by Nina Ross, tells the story of a shark with a mission to get what he wants.

It would seem there are a lot of people who want this book, as it has been selling out quickly from bookstore shelves all over the East End.

Ms. Ross recalls that her inspiration for the book came from a trip to Martha’s Vineyard some 10 years ago when she, herself, experienced a shark sighting on the beach. Ironically, the island off Cape Cod is also where Steven Spielberg shot the film “Jaws” back in the 1970s.

Following the shark sighting, an article about the incident appeared in the local paper.

“I just thought it was amusing. There was an entire article written about a shark sighting,” Ross said. “All this commotion because of the shark sighting. I was thinking, ‘What’s he, or she, doing? Is he looking for something?’ He’s just minding his own business.”

The idea of a how a hungry shark named Mike might spend his day on land is, in fact, the plot line of “Montauk Has A Very Hungry Shark,” which is geared toward toddlers and young readers.

Mike's task is a simple one: to find the perfect ice cream sundae. At least it’s simple for humans. Not wanting to be recognized, Mike dons a disguise as he travels through the towns and villages of the East End in search of the ideal sundae. Along the way, he learns that getting what you want is not always easy, but with the help of new friend and a little kindness, things work out in his favor.

Throughout her career, Ms. Ross has always written and drawn on the side and she also did the illustrations for this book.

“I was always encouraged to send my stories to publishers, but I never did,” Ms. Ross said.

After the Martha’s Vineyard trip, Ms. Ross wrote a short poem and drew illustrations of a shark with a tie and briefcase, all inspired by the sighting.

“In the original piece, he was looking for a meatball sub. When I decided to do a children’s book, I thought ice cream would be more relatable to kids,” she said.

And who knows? Perhaps “Montauk Has A Very Hungry Shark” could even repair some of the damage inflicted on the reputation of sharks in the wake of “Jaws,” which, since its release in 1975, has terrified generations of children and parents. With a recent shark sighting near Quogue’s Penniman Creek in Shinnecock Bay, sharks are obviously lingering nearby.

When asked about the topic, lifeguards at Flying Point Beach in Southampton said they haven’t seen a shark yet this summer. Although they don’t have an official “written policy,” the lifeguards say they do have very effective procedures to follow in the event a shark is sighted — even a gentle, ice cream loving one like Mike.

“We’ll clear everyone out of the water for at least half an hour. We’ll send guards on surfboards and kayaks to get anyone who is further out,” said Mark Vagianos, a 40-year veteran of the lifeguard stand.

Good to know. Apparently there are a lot of hungry sharks out there in search of ice cream.

"Montauk Has A Very Hungry Shark" by Nina Ross is published by East End Press. It can be found at local bookstores or at eastendpress.co.