You Can't Win Them All, Rainbow Fish

by Marcus Pfister

Overview

The eighth book in the New York Times bestselling Rainbow Fish series.

Everyone loses once in a while. But being a good sport when you lose isn’t always easy—not even for Rainbow Fish. A lighthearted look at accepting loss without losing your sparkle!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735842878
Publisher:	NorthSouth Books
Publication date:	06/06/2017
Series:	Rainbow Fish Series , #1
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	277,502
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Marcus Pfister was born in Bern, Switzerland. After studying at the Art School of Bern, he apprenticed as a graphic designer and worked in an advertising agency before becoming self-employed in 1984. His debut picture book, The Sleepy Owl, was published by NorthSouth in 1986, but his big breakthrough came six years later with The Rainbow Fish. Marcus has illustrated over sixty-five books that have been translated into more than sixty languages and received countless international awards. He lives with his wife, Debora, and their children in Bern.

Editorial Reviews

05/29/2017
Pfister’s glittery-scaled fish returns, just in time for the character’s 25th anniversary, in a story about being a good sport. Rainbow Fish is having an off day playing hide and seek with his fellow fish, and when his frustrations boil over, he lashes out. “Well, I think it’s a dumb game and I’m not playing!” he shouts before swimming off; a heart-to-heart with another fish and a round of apologies from Rainbow Fish set things right. It’s a story very much in service of the message it aims to impart; families struggling with sore losers in their ranks may find it a useful teaching tool. Ages 4–8. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Short, simple, and to the point, the text makes clear why children in a similar situation would be unhappy, and how to resolve matters peacefully...Pfister’s signature art style, with vivid colors, fuzzy outlines, and the iconic foil highlights, is well suited to the gentle story.

Booklist - Lucinda Whitehurst

07/01/2017
PreS-Gr 1—Fans of Rainbow Fish will not be disappointed with Pfister's most recent installment of his classic children's book series. Rainbow Fish engages in a game of hide-and-seek with his friends and learns a difficult and humbling lesson: he is not the most adept player in the game. Not only is he unsuccessful at finding the other fish but he is also the first to be discovered when Little Blue becomes the seeker. Frustrated by Little Blue's victory, Rainbow Fish quits the game and angrily swims away. Red Fin, a newcomer to the shoal, immediately goes after him. In the end, Red Fin gently reminds Rainbow Fish that it's OK to lose. Pfister uses this very simple story line to address complex social and emotional development skills. At times, the writing is slightly predictable. However, the characters are multidimensional and relatable, often mirroring realistic childlike behaviors. The trademark illustrations of vibrant, sparkling scales provide great visuals and often compensate for the monotonous text. VERDICT Teeming with rich lessons about the value of good sportsmanship, this straightforward tale is a useful resource for teaching the importance of good character. A serviceable addition to most picture book collections.—Andrea Jamison, Lincoln Elementary School, Calumet City, IL

School Library Journal

2017-03-29
Twenty-five years after the original shimmering publication, Rainbow Fish returns to learn a lesson in good sportsmanship.Rainbow Fish and his friends are playing hide-and-seek. Rainbow Fish is the first to be "it." He has played this game so many times he believes that he knows all the hiding places in the shoal. Overconfident, he sets off to look. But he can't find anyone! One by one the fish swim out of their hiding places, much to Rainbow Fish's chagrin. Then, when Little Blue is the seeker, he finds Rainbow Fish immediately. Rainbow Fish angrily throws a tantrum and swims away. The newest character to the series, Red Fin, gently explains to Rainbow Fish that sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. An apology neatly wraps up this aquatic morality tale. Translated from German, the text is didactic and straightforward; the one textual bright spot is an enthusiastic, "I'll find you in a fishy flash!" Lending visual sparkle, of course, is the series' trademark foil scales. Saturated blues and greens, with splashes of yellow and pink, infuse the underwater world. Pfister tackles a common frustration with which youngsters will relate; unfortunately, glittery scales are the only thing to add shine to these lackluster depths. (Picture book. 2-6)

Kirkus Reviews