My Pet Goldfish
by Catherine Rayner (Author) Catherine Rayner (Illustrator)
Follow Richard the growing goldfish from an indoor tank to an outdoor pond in a story filled with gorgeous multilayered illustrations and sprinkled with fascinating facts.
When I was four, I got my first pet: a fish no bigger than my hand, with red and orange scales.
My very own goldfish! In his big tank in the kitchen, Richard the goldfish quickly bonds with--and even learns to recognize--his human companion, who tells him all about his day after school. A visiting friend, Sandy, shares some cool fish facts: Did you know that goldfish nap with their eyes open--because they don't have eyelids? Or that they can let you know they're hungry by swimming up and blowing bubbles? Sandy has a backyard pond filled with goldfish of all shapes and jewel-like colors, some much bigger (and older) than his friend's new pet. What might Richard's own future hold? Drawn in by the expressive illustrations and child-friendly tone, readers will emerge with a new appreciation for the beauty and personality of these classic pets. Kids inspired to care for a goldfish of their own will find a list of things they will need in the back matter.
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Kirkus Reviews
Delightful and validating for first-time or would-be goldfish guardians. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
Copyright 2021 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2--The curious journey of Richard the goldfish begins in the kitchen fish tank where he forms a charming bond with his human companion, following the boy's fingers along the edge of the tank each day. Fortuitously, the boy's neighbor Sandy also has goldfish as pets but Sandy's are much larger and live in a pond. Sandy impresses the boy with goldfish facts and when the boy worries that Richard will outgrow his kitchen tank, Sandy offers his pond. Throughout the story, the peppering of little-known facts about this common childhood pet help to elevate this title. The mixed media illustrations of the goldfish and their aquatic environs are lively and ethereal, conveying a sense of drifting underwater movement. The frenetic linework and flat, doll-like eyes of their human counterparts seem mismatched with the beautifully rendered goldfish and plant life. Despite this, the book will be well-received by little ones who are interested in the care and keeping of goldfish. VERDICT An effective pairing of story and fact makes the common goldfish shine bright in this recommended purchase for collections covering pet care.--Sarah Simpson, Westerville P.L., OH
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
—School Library Journal An appealing introduction to a common household pet. . . . The lovely and delicate mixed-media illustrations sparkle with color; we see Richard, other fish, bubbles, and aquatic plants drift serenely in gentle waters. . . Delightful.
—Kirkus Reviews Lovely. . . gives useful tips on raising goldfish.
—Booklist Rayner's art is particularly striking. . . This would be a good choice for any kid looking to get a goldfish.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
JNF003090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Fishes
JNF051000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | General
Picture books
Goldfish
