BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, El (K-3) -- OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Mr. Fish is determined to do an entire painting on his own. His friends offer to help, but he turns them all down. When he can't finish it by himself, though, he realizes he needs his friends' assistance after all.
The popular Pout-Pout Fish character and colorful illustrations hold kid appeal, and the message about working together is a good one. Unfortunately, the story itself feels shallow and clichéd, as if it's relying on Mr. Fish's popularity and not the actual story-telling to carry the book. The writing is uninspired, and the plot is predictable. The premise of his needing help with a painting, as opposed to a project where everyone has a different role and plenty of space to work, feels awkward. The lack of a motivation for the painting also takes away from the urgency of the story; why, after all, is it so necessary for Mr. Fish to do the painting in the first place? Was he bored? Did he need a present for someone's birthday? Some other reason? All in all a readable, yet very forgettable, story.
Sydney G., Library Media Specialist, M.Ed.
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