As the pout-pout fish swims along in the ocean, he discovers that being glum and spreading the “dreary wearies” isn’t much fun anymore–especially when his true destiny is revealed!
We love this book at our house! The pout-pout fish is the epitome of a grumpy attitude with little hope for the future. The repetition sure makes this book a fun one to read. The realization of who the the pout-pout fish really is and the happiness it brings to him is a lesson to us all to be who we are meant to be and to choose to be happy.
The Pout Pout Fish is a wonderful book about seeing yourself in a new light. The book can teach children a great lesson about “turning their frown upside down” and being happy. Perhaps even more important, you can point out for little readers the enormous impact a friendly gesture can have for someone else who is feeling discouraged. While many fish offer advice and wisdom to the pout pout fish about cheering up, none of that sinks in. What really makes a difference is a friend who helps the fish to think better about itself.
Deborah Diesen currently works for a nonprofit organization and has also worked as a librarian and a bookseller. She lives in Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Dan Hanna lives a life of quiet solitude, high in the Bavarian Alps, where he devotes his life to illustrating (and trying to write) picture books. Most of his income is from a modest bee-keeping operation where he produces a thick and tasty Bavarian honey.