Fish daydreams about being other creatures that live on land or take to the sky, and the special things they can do. But in the end, Fish realizes that life as a fish is pretty good.
" 'I wish I were a bird!' said Fish. 'I could fly high up in the sky.' " Oh, to be a turtle, and "take a nap on a sunny rock." Fish expresses each wish clearly, and also a specific reason why being a bird or a turtle holds such appeal. As youngsters go through Fish's wish list, they learn about pond life. Some of the fantasies will get kids giggling--"I wish I were a skunk. I could make a big stink!"--as will the expression in the beaver's eyes for "I could be a beaver and build a big dam." But when Fish stops fantasizing and stays in the moment--dining on a delicious mayfly--the hero wishes things to remain just the way they are: "To stay a fish is what I wish."
The repetitive sentence pattern makes this paper-over-board book ideal for children just beginning to read independently. Michael Garland (Grandpa's Tractor) creates textured illustrations in digiwood that resemble woodcuts in emerald green, golden brown and sapphire blue. The radiant, realistic artwork of pond life juxtaposed against a fish's improbable wishes makes a winning combination. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness