Pfister, Marcus. (1992). The Rainbow Fish. North-South Books, New York.
Summary
A beautiful, colorful fish - Rainbow Fish - loves to swim around and be admired for his beauty. When he is asked to share one of his beautiful scales by another fish, he refuses. How could he part with something that provides him with so much joy? His refusal to share quickly spreads amongst the other fish, and Rainbow Fish finds himself alone and ignored. He visits a wise octopus for advice on how to best handle the situation. He is told by the octopus to give away his scales to the other fish. Rainbow Fish is hesitant, but begins by giving one scale away. He experiences such joy in making another fish happy, he soon gives away all his scales. He is no longer the most beautiful fish, but through sharing, he has made many friends and found happiness.
A beautiful, colorful fish - Rainbow Fish - loves to swim around and be admired for his beauty. When he is asked to share one of his beautiful scales by another fish, he refuses. How could he part with something that provides him with so much joy? His refusal to share quickly spreads amongst the other fish, and Rainbow Fish finds himself alone and ignored. He visits a wise octopus for advice on how to best handle the situation. He is told by the octopus to give away his scales to the other fish. Rainbow Fish is hesitant, but begins by giving one scale away. He experiences such joy in making another fish happy, he soon gives away all his scales. He is no longer the most beautiful fish, but through sharing, he has made many friends and found happiness.
My impression
I think this book is a great example of didacticism. While the lesson of sharing and finding happiness is wonderful, it seems the lesson is the primary focus of the book, and not the story. (One part of the story does not seem like a positive message to me. The fish that is refused a scale proceeds to tell all the other fish about it, and Rainbow Fish is then ostracized. Is that appropriate modeling for children?) While doing research on this book, I discovered that some people consider it to be a child version of The Communist Manifesto. Should everyone have the same things? Do we expect our children to share everything they have? Personally, I think children are drawn to the book more for the illustrations than the story, so we probably don't have to worry too much about this book shaping their political views.
The illustrations are colorful, and what child could resist the different texture of the scales? In my opinion, adults are buying the book for the 'good' lesson, and children love the book more for the illustrations than the story. There are now six books in this series, and products for Rainbow fish include toys, clothing, and more. Certainly, this book is a marketing success. While I don't think it is a great story, I cannot dislike a book that so many children find enjoyable, whatever their reasons.
I think this book is a great example of didacticism. While the lesson of sharing and finding happiness is wonderful, it seems the lesson is the primary focus of the book, and not the story. (One part of the story does not seem like a positive message to me. The fish that is refused a scale proceeds to tell all the other fish about it, and Rainbow Fish is then ostracized. Is that appropriate modeling for children?) While doing research on this book, I discovered that some people consider it to be a child version of The Communist Manifesto. Should everyone have the same things? Do we expect our children to share everything they have? Personally, I think children are drawn to the book more for the illustrations than the story, so we probably don't have to worry too much about this book shaping their political views.
The illustrations are colorful, and what child could resist the different texture of the scales? In my opinion, adults are buying the book for the 'good' lesson, and children love the book more for the illustrations than the story. There are now six books in this series, and products for Rainbow fish include toys, clothing, and more. Certainly, this book is a marketing success. While I don't think it is a great story, I cannot dislike a book that so many children find enjoyable, whatever their reasons.
Library Usage
Younger students could be asked to make a list or draw pictures of things they are willing to share with others. Discussion might involve whether it is acceptable to not share some things that you value. In addition, art work could be done to create a Rainbow Fish.
Reviews
Roback, D., & Donahue, R. (1992). Forecasts: Children's books. Publishers Weekly,
23(48), 70.
Younger students could be asked to make a list or draw pictures of things they are willing to share with others. Discussion might involve whether it is acceptable to not share some things that you value. In addition, art work could be done to create a Rainbow Fish.
Reviews
Despite some jazzy special effects achieved with shimmery holographs, this cautionary tale about selfishness and vanity has trouble staying afloat. Rainbow Fish, ``the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean,'' refuses to share his prized iridescent scales--which, indeed, flash and sparkle like prisms as each page is turned. When his greed leaves him without friends or admirers, the lonely fish seeks advice from the wise octopus, who counsels him to give away his beauty and ``discover how to be happy.'' The translation from the original German text doesn't enhance the story's predictable plot, and lapses into somewhat vague descriptions: after sharing a single scale, ``a rather peculiar feeling came over Rainbow Fish.'' Deep purples, blues and greens bleed together in Pfister's liquid watercolors; unfortunately, the watery effect is abruptly interrupted by a few stark white, text-only pages. Ages 4-8.
Roback, D., & Donahue, R. (1992). Forecasts: Children's books. Publishers Weekly,
23(48), 70.
PreS-Gr 1-- Children will be immediately drawn to this book that features an iridescent, metallic-looking main character whose ``scales were every shade of blue and green and purple, with sparkling silver scales among them.'' Adult suspicions of the gimmick overwhelming the story quickly fade as the plot unfolds: none of the other fish will have anything to do with the Rainbow Fish, who always swims by superciliously and refuses to give away any of his special garb. He is lonely and without admirers until a wise female octopus advises him to give away his scales. Rainbow Fish then discovers that sharing brings happiness and acceptance. The delicate watercolors of underwater scenes are a perfect foil to the glittering scales that eventually form a part of each fish's exterior. This is certainly a story written to convey a message, but in its simplicity, it recalls the best of Lionni. Besides, what three-year-old doesn't need reinforcement about sharing?
Fader, E. (1992). Book review: Preschool & primary. School Library Journal, 38(11), 75.
Fader, E. (1992). Book review: Preschool & primary. School Library Journal, 38(11), 75.
