Rainbow Fish

A. Citation Pfister, Marcus. 1992. The Rainbow Fish. New York. NY:North-South Books Inc. ISBN 0735817480 B. Plot Summary Rainbow Fish, the most beautiful fish in the ocean finds himself alone. After alienating his friends by being conceited by his perfect, shining scales. He discovers that his own beauty can not stop the loneliness he feels inside. Pfister shows the depth of his characters in the little blue fish, starfish and wise octopus. After getting long needed advice Rainbow Fish discovers the joy of friends and sharing and how it changed his life. C. Critical Analysis

Rainbow Fish AKA Der Regenbogenfish is a translation from a Swedish story. It is a simple story of learning to share and the challenges that come along with that lesson. Little blue fish only wanted one tiny shiny scale. Rainbow fish is the only fish in the sea with beautiful scales.Shocked and appalled that one would ask for his prized possesion, Rainbow Fish deters all of his would be friends away with his arrogant attitude. the development of the main character throughout the story is complimented by seemingly older wiser characters. It appears that the majority of the aquatic animals are young and need guidance as indicated by the wise octopus in the cave. The publishing of the story has superb illustrations of the bottom of the sea and the mirror/iridescent fins of Rainbow fish make the book very appealing to readers of all ages. The book is desirable on top of a great story. Foster's Rainbow Fish is a classic tale of sharing is wonderfully told and illustrated for all to enjoy. D. Review Excerpts Booklist - Proud of his shimmering silver scales, Rainbow Fish disdains the plainer fish who asks him to share his treasures. When word of his refusal gets around, Rainbow Fish finds that the other fish swim away at his approach. A wise old octopus advises him to share his scales. When he does, Rainbow Fish finds that the more he gives to others, the happier he feels. The plot is rather predictable, but the artwork certainly catches the eye. Incorporated into the fluid, watercolor paintings, iridescent foil catches every light and radiates colored sparkles that would be the envy of any fish and will fascinate preschoolers. A gimmick? Well, yes, but in context it works. A popular choice for picture book displays. Horn Book - Shunned by the other fish when he refuses to give away even one of his beautiful scales, Rainbow Fish eventually learns to share and finds happiness in friendship. Children will find the shiny scales in the otherwise unremarkable illustrations appealing, but the text of this Swiss import is didactic. Reviews accessed at: http://titlewave.com/search?SID=d354548c4e3e29582d50aed682454e1c E. Connections More children's books about sharing: -Shaw, Fran and Sakamoto, Miki. Sharing: How Kindness Grows -Donaldson, Julia and Lydia Monks. Sharing a Shell. -Brown, Laurie Krasny and Marc Brown. How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them