RAINBOW FISH AND THE GREAT ESCAPE
by Marcus Pfister
Translated by David Henry Wilson
NorthSouth Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING...
OCTOBER 7th!!!
The tenth book in the New York Times bestselling Rainbow Fish series encourages care and respect for the ocean and its creatures.
Rainbow Fish and his friends have only ever heard stories about the nets that come through and take away shoals of fish from the ocean. Luckily, they’ve never had to experience that danger for themselves. All is peaceful until one day, Rainbow Fish and his friends come face to face with the trawling net.
Even though getting caught within the net is scary, Rainbow Fish and his friends are quick to act. With the help of crabs and lobsters nearby, they’re able to cut through the net and help everyone trapped within make their great escape.
This thrilling addition is a perfect example of quick problem solving and how to lean on one’s community in difficult situations.
Rainbow Fish and his friends have only ever heard stories about the nets that come through and take away shoals of fish from the ocean. Luckily, they’ve never had to experience that danger for themselves. All is peaceful until one day, Rainbow Fish and his friends come face to face with the trawling net.
Even though getting caught within the net is scary, Rainbow Fish and his friends are quick to act. With the help of crabs and lobsters nearby, they’re able to cut through the net and help everyone trapped within make their great escape.
This thrilling addition is a perfect example of quick problem solving and how to lean on one’s community in difficult situations.
MY TIDBITS
Rainbow Fish and his friends head into another adventure with golden friendship and a little tension, too.
Rainbow Fish and his friends live in a type of paradise in their area of the ocean. Of course, they hear about nets and other horrible things from passing fish, but these seem more like tales and myths, since Rainbow Fish and his friends have never seen anything like that where they live. When a huge school of fish swims toward them in full panic, Rainbow Fish and his friends get caught up in the pack. Before they know what's happening, a huge net engulfs everyone. And it doesn't seem like any of them are going to be able to escape.
This is an exciting addition to the Rainbow Fish series. The first pages bring a smile to the face as readers get to spend a few pleasant moments with Rainbow Fish and his friends, simply enjoying the sea and the wonderful life of nature around them. The sense of security and rightness with the world offer a lovely platform before things take a more chaotic turn. When the huge amount of fish swim right at them, the tension soars. While Rainbow Fish and his friends might be confused about what's happening, the reader will recognize the danger right away. It's hard to see how everything will turn out fine, when Rainbow Fish stares between the net's ropes...and the worry comes across clearly. So, the adventure is well done and keeps the pacing high while staying in the comfort zone for the intended age group.
The illustrations are as bright and lively as always, and it's nice to see those shining scales on Rainbow Fish and his friend—a warming nod to their constant friendship. The text is on the slightly heavier side and works those vocabulary skills, but not so much so that it grows frustrating. It's great for the older end of the age group to pick up and read on their own, and it also makes an exciting read aloud for story time.
There are a few messages worked into the tale to give it goodness on that end as well. There's the message of friendship, learning to think out of the box, and, the most obvious, environmental issues surrounding certain types of fishing. But most importantly, it's a fun read.
And here he is...
Marcus Pfister was born in Bern, Switzerland. After studying at art school in Bern, he trained as a graphic artist. His first picture book was published by NordSüd in 1986, but his breakthrough as author and illustrator came in 1992 with the publication of The Rainbow Fish. Since then he has published more than 60 books, which have been translated into about 65 languages and have won many international awards. He lives with his family in Bern.
No comments:
Post a Comment