Fish Had a Wish

March 1, 2012

PreS-K-While swimming around the lily-pad-strewn waters, Fish, observing his fellow creatures, begins to wish. If he were a bird, he could fly high in the sky; if a turtle, he could nap on a sunny rock; if a bee, he could buzz from flower to flower; and if a beaver, he could build a big dam. But then a mayfly drifts by and, after enjoying a great big bite, Fish realizes it's good to be a fish after all. The book's theme, being satisfied with one's own self, has been explored in many guises, but Garland lends his own eye-catching touch with images created, according to the copyright page, in "digi-wood," giving the creatures a distinctive glow. Positioned front and center on the spreads, the animals will entice children to explore the images and will undoubtedly have them suggesting other creatures to add to Fish's wish list.-Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2012
Take a conventional story, add a new art technique--and voila, a striking picture book is born. Fish has a wish to be some creature other than what he is: a bird, so he can fly high in the sky; a turtle, so he can nap on a sunny rock; a skunk, so he can make a big stink; or a bobcat, a bee, a beaver, a butterfly or a snake. But when a mayfly lands on the water, Fish eats it in one bite and declares: "That was so good!... I wish to stay a fish." Part of the publisher's I Like to Read series, the book's eye-catching artwork will fascinate young readers (and adults). The double-page spreads have wood-grain backgrounds that dramatically grab attention and appropriately evoke Fish's woodland pond environment. Some of the "digi-wood" illustrations are more invigorating than others, but all of them are captivating. Striations and hashes of color create patterns and textures. This technique is new for Garland, and he has cast his net with vigor and aplomb. From the beaver's coat to the tiger lily's petals to the snakeskin, this fish tale is a keeper. (Picture book/early reader. 4-8)

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April 1, 2012
Preschool-G For one little sunfish, life definitely looks greener on the other side of the pond. Observing the various creatures in his sylvan habitat, Fish desires to be just like them. He wishes to fly like a bird, sport a bobcat's spots, be a hissing snake, and even stink like a skunk. But a tasty mayfly reminds Fish that he is pretty happy just being himself. Still, he has one more wish: to stay a fish. This title in the I Like to Read series offers budding readers a basic but varied text, a gentle message, and appealing woodcut-style digital illustrations featuring large, arresting figures in richly colored, wood-grained landscapes. Each two-page spread presents a close-up of an animal and its lush, natural environment; concluding scenes of the jubilant, multicolored Fish are particularly captivating. This easy-reading offering on the rewards of being yourself is sure to make a splash with young nature lovers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)