- Book
Summary: The Rainbow Fish is a story about a fish that has scales
envied by the other fish that live with him in the ocean due to their
shimmery, colorful appearance. Although he wants to be honored and adored
for this difference, the other fish are turned off by his resistance to
share them and in turn, leave him feeling lonely and unadmired. After
receiving advice by a wise octopus to give away his scales to the other
fish in the ocean, the rainbow fish learns that it makes him happy to
share his most prized possessions. Even though he is not different or
"special" anymore, he gains a sense of acceptance that is far
more appreciated.
- APA
Reference of Book: Pfister, M. (1992). The rainbow fish. New
York: North-South Books
- Impressions:
I have personally owned this
book for almost twenty years and have always found it very touching and
thought provoking. There are so many lessons that can be taught from a
read-aloud of this story. Embracing differences, modesty, and the act of
giving to name the most obvious. The illustrations are as beautiful as the
story and I, for one, am glad there were sequels published. My students
are mesmerized by this book and often request repeat reads.
- Professional
Review: Children will be immediately drawn to this book that
features an iridescent, metallic-looking main character whose scales were
"every shade of blue and green and purple, with sparkling silver
scales among them." Adult suspicions of the gimmick overwhelming the
story quickly fade as the plot unfolds: none of the other fish will have
anything to do with the Rainbow Fish, who always swims by superciliously
and refuses to give away any of his special garb. He is lonely and without
admirers until a wise female octopus advises him to give away his scales.
Rainbow Fish then discovers that sharing brings happiness and acceptance.
The delicate watercolors of underwater scenes are a perfect foil to the
glittering scales that eventually form a part of each fishes exterior.
This is certainly a story written to convey a message, but in it's
simplicity, it recalls the best of Lionni. Besides, what three-year-old
doesn't need reinforcement about sharing?
Fader, E.(1992)Book review: Preschool and primary [Review of the book
The rainbow fish, by M. Pfister].
School library journal, 38(11), 75-76.
- Library
Uses: This book would be great to use with PreK-Grade 1 during a
Friendship unit at the beginning of the school year. Use the book to
introduce the concept of what makes a good friend and then have the
children brainstorm and discuss qualities of good friends. Make an anchor
chart together of all of the qualities that make a good friend to display
in the library for the year. The qualities can be written on pre-made fish
die cuts to add to the chart.
No comments:
Post a Comment