Rain Fish

PreS-Gr 3--Found art supplies form suggestions of fish shapes while the text lyrically provides directions on how to make "rain fish" in this imaginative work by the master collage artist. Ehlert describes how the objects "hide in debris/until rain sets them free," thereby explaining how she finds materials. The ephemeral nature of the creations is emphasized by the instruction, "But you better look fast, /because rain fish don't last." The objects are found by chance, and the art made from them is open to interpretation. Children are invited to look beyond the items' original uses and explore what they see in the collage assortments. Vivid colors, varied textures, and expressive language inspire further contemplation. As an exploration of creativity and inventiveness, the book serves as a challenge to readers. What could they find to make their own rain fish? VERDICT An excellent addition to most collections, and especially valuable to libraries with budding found object artists.--Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA