The Only Fish in the Sea

Written by Philip C. Stead · Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Part of the Sadie series

A goldfish tossed into the ocean sparks a daring rescue mission.

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 600 ratings

40 pages· 298 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud· AD540L

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

When Amy Scott tosses her birthday goldfish into the ocean, Sadie and Sherman embark on a whimsical rescue mission. Armed with a boat, fishing gear, and twenty-one pink balloons, they set out to save Ellsworth, the fish. As they navigate the unpredictable sea, questions arise: Why did Amy abandon Ellsworth, and can Sadie and Sherman succeed in their quest? Dive into this charming adventure where friendship and determination lead the way, and discover the fate of a little fish with a big story.

From the publisher

Did you hear about little Amy Scott? She got a goldfish for her birthday and then just threw it in the ocean! That doesn’t seem right.

I guess Sherman and Sadie will have to go save little Ellsworth (every fish deserves a proper name) on their own. They’ll need:

A boat

Fishing gear

Twenty-one pink balloons

A bucket of paint

And

Appropriate headwear in case of weather―good or bad

Don’t worry. Ellsworth is in good hands now, but what ever happened to little Amy Scott?

Join Sadie (Special Delivery) on another adventure in The Only Fish in the Sea, a delightful picture book by Philip C. Stead and Matthew Cordell.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 298
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD540L

Themes & topics

Books about fish Books about birthdays Books about being kind to animals Books about social themes Books about friendship

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.5

out of 7

4.3

“The Only Fish in the Sea feels a little bit like bedtime story you make up on the spot--it sort of rambles along and winds its way through a loose narrative, pulling itself together as it goes. It's thin on plot and thinner on morals but that's kind of the charm of it--it's just a story.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

The author