Both Module 1 books are from a module entitled, "Books adults like that aren't necessarily good books."Summary. A beautiful, conceited fish won't play with anyone else, thinking they're not good enough for him. Eventually, he feels lonely and asks other ocean animals for advice. The octopus says to share his beauty (shiny scales) with others and they'll like him. Eventually he gives away all but one of his shiny scales, and has lots of friends. Grades PreS-K.
Citation. Pfister, Marcus. The Rainbow Fish. Adapt./trans. J. Alison James. New York: North-South Books, 1996. Print.
My Thoughts. Kids love the shiny scales on every page. The message of sharing is well-taken. That being said, not many of us rip off our body parts to share with others and make them happy. And other fish can't just paste Rainbow's scales on and live happily ever after. The best lines in the book both come from Rainbow: "Why doesn't anybody like me?" is a great self-reflecting question. I'm not convinced the answer given was correct, but that's another issue. The other great line is: "The little blue fish was so pleased, it made the Rainbow Fish feel happy." That's probably the most perceptive observation in this brief tale. Uses in library. While this book could be used in a preschool storytime about fish, there are many better selections. It could be modified (with permission) and presented as a puppet show fairly successfully, but again, I'm not sure it's worth it.
Reviews. (Booklist) Ages 4-7. 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. ~--Carolyn Phelan. Booklist, 92.14 (1996): 1269.
(School Library Journal) PreS-Gr 1-- 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 fish's exterior. This is certainly a story written to convey a message, but in its simplicity, it recalls the best of Lionni. Besides, what three-year-old doesn't need reinforcement about sharing? --Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT. School Library Journal, 38.11 (1992): 75.
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