Fidgety Fish

February 1, 2002
PreS-Gr 3-A little fish is brimming with energy and curiosity and so wriggly and giggly that his mom sends him out of their sea cave to swim until he is tired. She warns him, however, to beware of the Big Fish. Joyfully exploring the ocean depths with its variety of interesting creatures, Tiddler spots a large black opening and pops inside, thinking it is a cave like his own. It isn't. Trapped, he thrashes and jumps, upsetting the Big Fish's stomach severely and causing a giant burp, which propels him out and swiftly home, ready for a nap. With its vivid language, many rhyming and onomatopoetic words, brisk pace, and exclamatory style, the book is perfect for reading aloud. Lively double-page, full-page, and vignette watercolor illustrations in brilliant shades match the verve of the text. With their white goggle eyes and smiley faces, the characters are funny and appealing.-Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.