04/19/2021
This laugh-out-loud story centers a literal, and very grumpy, fish out of water. Mr. Fish, the very picture of dour with pouty lips and a stony stare, lives on a tree branch. After friends Cat and Bird meet on the tree one morning, he insists that they vacate the premises. When the purported interlopers point out that Mr. Fish’s very existence in the tree goes against fish physiology (“How are you even alive right now?” Bird asks), Mr. Fish digs in, thanks to a handy and improbable device called a Roly Bowl (“For the fish on the go”). Stein (The Runaway No-wheeler), working in digitally colored pen and ink in a stage-like single plane, relates these testy encounters, Mr. Fish’s backstory, and his efforts to find friends once he realizes how lonely he is with impeccable comic timing; Mr. Fish’s first attempt at throwing a party is a classic social disaster. If this were Aesop, Mr. Fish would reap what he sowed, but Stein resolves this story in a spirit of trans-species collaboration and friendship, and some ingenious construction likely to draw giggles and requests for repeat reading. Ages 3–6. Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary. (June)
This story about friendly cooperation, expressed through dialogue, soliloquy, and narrative, is a comical hoot; the simple, matter-of-fact, dryly witty text will arouse kids’ giggles throughout. The riotous cartoon illustrations ably drive the lively proceedings; Mr. Fish is especially expressive, a master of the absurd. Note the punny final page . . . Nothing fishy here: an adorable, laugh-out-loud winner.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Whimsical, quirky, and unpredictable enough to keep kids and adults alike on their toes, this is a winner for story times or one-on-one—an all-around charming addition to picture book collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ 10/02/2021
PreS-Gr 2—"Fish don't belong in trees," point out friends Bird and Cat, reasonably. But Mr. Fish has a solid explanation for his presence, and he is staying put; when Cat observes, "Fish can't live out of water. They can't breathe," and Bird asks, "How are you even alive right now?" Mr. Fish simply obtains a "roly bowl" ("for the fish on the go"). Mr. Fish's loudness and rudeness drive Bird and Cat away. But when he tries to host a party for other fish, it's a flop. After some soul searching, Mr. Fish apologizes to Bird and Cat and asks for their help making the tree a pleasant and livable place for all. A deliberately static setting and flat perspectives encourage readers to notice changes from one page turn to the next, and there are many humorous touches from beginning to end ("fin"). VERDICT Whimsical, quirky, and unpredictable enough to keep kids and adults alike on their toes, this is a winner for story times or one-on-one—an all-around charming addition to picture book collections.—Jenny Arch, Lilly Lib., Florence, MA
★ 2021-05-05
Three seemingly mismatched residents of a tree learn to coexist.
Sitting on their respective branches, pals Bird and Cat cordially greet each other. Neighbor Mr. Fish brusquely shoos them away, claiming it’s his tree. Unimpressed with their accounts of how hard it was to reach it, Mr. Fish describes his difficulties in getting there himself. When he’s reminded that he’s literally a fish out of water (how’s he even breathing?), Mr. Fish temporarily solves that dilemma with a fishbowl on wheels, but Bird and Cat leave, citing his poor attitude. Alone, Mr. Fish is bored, so he throws a festive shindig. Unfortunately, the aquatic guests hurriedly swim off from what the text assures readers is “the worst party ever.” On his own again, Mr. Fish realizes the solo life’s rotten; luckily, Bird and Cat return. Apologizing for his previous conduct and divulging a terrific idea, Mr. Fish solicits their help, remembering the magic word please. Laboring furiously while generating considerable noise, the three arrive at an ingenious means to share the tree harmoniously, each according to its species. This story about friendly cooperation, expressed through dialogue, soliloquy, and narrative, is a comical hoot; the simple, matter-of-fact, dryly witty text will arouse kids’ giggles throughout. The riotous cartoon illustrations ably drive the lively proceedings; Mr. Fish is especially expressive, a master of the absurd. Note the punny final page. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nothing fishy here: an adorable, laugh-out-loud winner. (Picture book. 3-6)
