Hooray for Fish!

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Hooray for fish, indeed. Told in rhyming text, we follow Little Fish as he introduces us to all his fishy friends. The text is simple, from happy fish to scary fish and everything in between. There is also a lot of repetition. Some of the rhyme is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, but in a subtle way. It is happy, silly and inviting. Children will love to meet each and every fish. The best fish is saved for last, though. Mom fish closes out this joy of a picture book. A happy ending to a happy book. The illustrations are clear and bold. They were done in gouache and hand lettered by the author. They are vivid against blue hued backgrounds. The illustrations and text meld together well. This is a fishy book, a counting book, a color book, and even a beginning reader book for slightly more experienced beginning readers. Pair with Audrey Wood's "Ten Little Fish" for a fishy story time with parental ties. This book was originally published in hardcover and is now issued in board book format. Even if you have the hardcover edition, I strongly recommend purchase of the board book format as well. Younger children will love this. A first purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good