Children’s Books About Fish
Alright, kiddos, buckle your imaginary seatbelts for a deep-sea dive through some fin-tastic fish tales! We’ve got a library of underwater wonders that’ll have you flipping pages faster than a fish swims upstream.
These books aren’t just fishy tales; they’re deep-sea adventures waiting to be explored! So, kids, get your snorkels ready because these fishy stories are swimming with laughter and surprises!
The Rainbow Fish
Marcus Pfister, 1992
Alright, gather ’round, kiddos! So, “The Rainbow Fish” is like the tale of the OG fish influencer. This sparkly fish dude had scales that were blinding, like, paparazzi-level bling. But, here’s the kicker: he was super vain about his shiny look, strutting around the ocean like he was the coolest fish in the school.
Then one day, he meets this crew of fish pals who are like, “Yo, Rainbow Fish, share the wealth, man!” But our dude is all, “Nah, these scales are mine, and you can’t touch this fabulousness.” Classic drama, right?
So, this wise old octopus tells him, “Hey, R.F., being kind is the real wave.” The fish gets a light bulb moment and starts giving out scales like it’s free candy. Suddenly, he’s not just the shiny fish on the block; he’s Mr. Popular. Moral of the story? Sharing is caring, folks! And that, my friends, is “The Rainbow Fish” in a shell… er, nutshell.
The Pout-Pout Fish
Deborah Diesen, 2008
Okay, so “The Pout-Pout Fish” is like if grumpy cat took a dip in the ocean and became a fish. Seriously, this fish, Mr. Pout-Pout, is like the rain cloud at a beach party. He swims around with this permanent frown, spreading his gloom like it’s his job.
Then he meets all these sea creatures who are like, “Dude, why so blue?” And Pout-Pout Fish goes on a whole spiel about how he’s destined to pout because that’s just who he is. Talk about commitment to a mood, right?
But then, this silver-lining fish named Miss Shimmer swims in and plants a big ol’ smooch on Pout-Pout’s pout. And suddenly, he’s all, “Wait, maybe I don’t have to be a downer 24/7.” He starts spreading smiles instead of frowns, turning the ocean into a happiness parade.
The moral here? A good attitude can turn a frown upside down. So, kids, even if you’re feeling fishy, remember, there’s always a way to find your inner sparkle!
This is Not My Hat
Jon Klassen, 2012
Alright, gather ’round, amigos! “This Is Not My Hat” is like Ocean’s Eleven meets underwater comedy. It’s all about this little fish sporting a stolen hat that clearly ain’t his size – like a fish trying to wear a whale’s tuxedo.
So, this sneaky fishy is strutting around, thinking he’s all slick and sly, but truth be told, he’s about as stealthy as a herd of elephants tap dancing. He’s basically broadcasting “I stole something” in neon bubbles.
And get this, he even gives us the play-by-play of how he swiped this snazzy headpiece. But here’s the catch: the original owner, a big ol’ fish, is hot on his trail. It’s like a suspenseful game of hide and seek, but in an underwater world.
What’s funny is, this little fish thinks he’s got the ultimate plan, but spoiler alert: karma swims faster than he does! The book ends leaving us all with a big “uh-oh” moment, and it’s like, “Dude, you’re in for a splashy surprise!”
The lesson here, kiddos? Crime doesn’t pay, especially when your getaway plan is leakier than a submarine made of Swiss cheese.
Swimmy
Leo Lionni, 1963
“Swimmy” is like the Little Mermaid meets the Avengers, fish edition. So, picture this: you’ve got Swimmy, this teeny-tiny fish with a heart bigger than the ocean, but he’s basically a swimming, talking Smartie. Why? Because he’s got a plan that’d make even the Justice League proud.
You see, Swimmy’s crew of fish got their scales in a twist when a big ol’ tuna swallowed up his friends. Tragic, right? But Swimmy, being the hero in a mini fishbowl, comes up with this genius idea. He’s like, “Okay, folks, let’s band together and pretend to be this super fish to scare off the big baddies!”
And guess what? It works! Swimmy leads this school of fish, like a fishy maestro conducting an underwater orchestra, and they morph into this ginormous, intimidating sea creature. The bad guys are shook like jellyfish in a blender and swim off like they’ve seen a ghost – or a mega-fish.
But here’s the kicker: Swimmy not only saves his friends but also teaches us a lesson about teamwork and using our smarts. It’s like Finding Nemo meets Ocean’s Eleven, with a sprinkle of undersea strategy.
The moral? Size doesn’t matter when you’ve got brains and teamwork. So, kiddos, next time you’re in a pinch, just channel your inner Swimmy and you’ll conquer the sea!
A Fish Out of Water
Helen Palmer, 1961
Alright, buckle up, fish fans! “A Fish Out of Water” is like a sitcom episode gone underwater. We’re talking about a boy, Otto, who gets this teeny-tiny fish and is given one rule: don’t overfeed it. Seems simple, right? But oh boy, chaos dives in quicker than you can say “fishflakes.”
Otto’s just trying to be the best fish parent, but he gets a little overzealous with the food. This fish, named Otto, by the way (yeah, the fish shares the kid’s name, go figure!), starts growing faster than weeds in spring. We’re talking goldfish on steroids here, folks!
And as Otto the fish balloons up, chaos swims right along. Otto’s trying to manage this fish who’s practically auditioning for the lead role in “Jaws.” The pet store owner, Mrs. Zook, jumps into the picture, trying to solve the fishy frenzy.
So, what do you get? A mix of slapstick comedy and a lesson on why rules are there for a reason. It’s like a ’90s sitcom where everything that can go wrong, does, and you’re left with a fish that’s breaking all records in the growth department.
The moral of the story? Don’t mess with fish feeding schedules, kids. You might end up with a pet that needs a swimming pool instead of a fishbowl!
See also: 15 Children’s Book Characters Who Show Kindness
The Octonauts Explore the Great Big Ocean
Meomi, 2018
Alright, kids, get ready for an underwater adventure with “The Octonauts Explore the Great Big Ocean”! So, imagine this crew of quirky critters – a team of animal buddies with gadgets cooler than a spy agency. We’ve got Captain Barnacles, the polar bear leading this underwater squad, and a mix of other animals on a mission to explore the deep blue sea.
Now, this isn’t your average field trip; they’re cruising through the ocean like it’s a highway, encountering sea creatures left and right. They’re basically marine biologists with cool uniforms and high-tech gear. And let’s not forget the Vegimals, part-vegetable, part-animal buddies – talk about a salad with a sense of humor!
So, they’re on a journey, discovering new species, making friends, and solving underwater mysteries. But here’s where it gets funny: every time they think they’ve got a smooth mission going, something hilariously fishy happens! It’s like a comedy of errors but in the ocean.
Whether they’re rescuing a crab in a jam or trying to decipher whale songs (which, trust me, sound like an underwater opera), chaos and laughter follow them like a shadow.
The lesson here, kids, is that even the pros can have wild and wacky adventures, but hey, that’s all part of exploring the unknown, right? So, dive in, stay curious, and who knows, you might just uncover your own underwater comedy!
Hooray for Fish!
Lucy Cousins, 2005
“Hooray for Fish” is like a carnival under the sea with a party animal named Little Fish leading the parade! This fishy fiesta stars a funky little fish who’s basically the DJ of the underwater dance floor.
Now, Little Fish is meeting all kinds of fishy characters, from the spotty fish to the stripey fish, each one more vibrant and quirky than the last. It’s like a marine fashion show with scales and fins!
But here’s the kicker: they’re not just fish; they’re like the cast of a funky Broadway musical. They’ve got their own quirks, dance moves, and style statements that could put any pop star to shame.
The party gets rolling as they dance, splash, and show off their unique traits. It’s a literal underwater disco! And just when you think it couldn’t get any more fun, along comes a big fish, and suddenly, it’s a full-on game of hide-and-seek. Cue the chaos!
The book is like a reminder that every fish in the sea is unique, just like each of you lovely kiddos. So, be proud of your quirks and get ready to celebrate your own fish-tastic qualities!
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish
Dr. Seuss, 1960
Alright, class, gather ’round for the fishy fun fest of “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish”! Picture this: it’s like a fishy circus, but in a book. Dr. Seuss takes us on a rollercoaster ride through an ocean of quirky fish and fantastical creatures.
There are fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes, and they’re living it up in a world where anything goes. From fish on top of dogs to fish with seven legs, it’s like an undersea carnival, complete with hats, cats, and a whole lot of splish-splashing shenanigans.
The book is a whirlwind of whimsy, where you’ve got fish doing the oddest things – riding unicycles, eating sandwiches, and even playing drums. It’s like someone stirred up a magic potion and turned the ocean into a wacky watercolor painting!
But wait, there’s more! Dr. Seuss doesn’t just stop at fish; he throws in some unexpected characters like the Gox, who drinks pink ink like it’s lemonade. The whole thing is a bit like a hilarious dream sequence that your brain cooks up after eating too many jellybeans.
The book’s big lesson? Embrace the wacky, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to dive into the ocean of imagination. After all, who knows what kind of fishy fun you might find in this crazy, Seussian sea?
See also: Best Books of the Month: Amazon’s Best Books for Children and Teens
Hello, Ocean Friends: A High-Contrast Book
Violet Lemay, duopress labs, 2015
Ah, “Hello, Ocean Friends” is like a visual feast for the eyes, especially for those tiny humans still discovering the world! It’s not just a book; it’s like a high-definition TV show for babies.
So, imagine this: it’s a black-and-white wonderland. But wait, it’s not just regular black and white; it’s the MVP of contrasts. We’re talking black as the midnight sky and white as a snowman’s dream.
And here’s the kicker: in this high-contrast wonderland, you’ve got these cute critters from the ocean making appearances. It’s like a parade of the sea’s cutest residents, all popping out in bold, high-definition colors against the contrasting backgrounds.
You’ve got fishies, starfish, and those friendly dolphins doing their thing, saying, “Hello, world!” in the most eye-catching way possible. It’s like a meet-and-greet with the ocean’s A-listers in a high-fashion, monochrome setting.
The best part? It’s perfect for those tiny humans who are just starting to understand shapes and colors. It’s like giving them a front-row seat to the ocean’s red carpet event, even before they’ve mastered the whole walking thing.
The big lesson? Even the simplest things, like high-contrast colors, can make the world a mesmerizing place. So, say hello to those ocean friends and get ready for a journey through the magical realm of contrasts!
Goohmi’s Moon Journey
Joji B. Balcita, 2023
Once upon a time in the deep, deep sea, there was a fish named Goohmi with a dream as big as a whale (okay, maybe not that big, but definitely moon-sized). This little fishy didn’t just want to explore the coral reefs or count the bubbles in the ocean; oh no, Goohmi dreamt of swimming right up to the moon!
But here’s the catch: her fishy friends, bless their gills, thought this moon-mission idea was more fishy than a can of tuna. They were all like, “Hey, Goohmi, stick to swimming in circles, okay?” But our starry-eyed fish didn’t want to be a regular guppy. She wanted to be a moon-exploring superstar!
Then, in swims this quirky, wise-old fish that looks like they’ve been swimming around the block for centuries. This fish was like Yoda but with scales and fins, and Goohmi’s like, “Wow, what’s up with that wrinkly, wise guy?” Turns out, this oddball fish becomes Goohmi’s mentor, teaching her the fishy ways of imagination and feelings.
So, off they go on this moon-tastic adventure, but the sea’s got other plans. Just when Goohmi’s about to high-five the moon, she belly-flops back into the sea! Talk about a splashy setback. Her fishy friends, who were busy gossiping about who got caught in a fishing net last week, suddenly perk up. Something’s fishier than a seafood buffet. They start thinking, “Hold on, maybe Goohmi and that weirdo mentor know something we don’t!”
It’s like a fishy soap opera with a splash of hope and a sprinkle of moon dust. Goohmi’s journey isn’t over yet, and her friends might just be in for a moon-sized surprise. So, kids, who knew the sea could hold such wild and wacky adventures? Stick around, ’cause Goohmi’s moon-dream isn’t done making waves just yet!