About the Book: The grumpiest fish in children’s literature is back with another case of “the dreary wearies.” This time, Mr. Fish, star of The New York Times bestselling Pout-Pout Fish series, is down in the dumps over holiday shopping. With a message for readers of all ages, The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish finds Mr. Fish so consumed with finding that perfect gift for each of his friends that he forgets the true meaning of the holidays: “A gift should be big, And a gift should be bright. And a gift should be perfect— Guaranteed to bring delight. And a gift should have meaning, Plus a bit of bling-zing, So I’ll shop till I drop For each just-right thing.” !When Mr. Fish—with his signature Pout-Pout Fish frown—comes up empty-handed, Miss Shimmer intervenes with a plan to make homemade gifts. He soon learns that it’s not about busting the budget or gifting the season’s hottest item, but giving from the heart. Together they experience the joy that comes from giving and sharing—the merriest gifts of all.
Hardcover Picture Book | Ages 2-6 | Grades Pre K–1 | ISBN 9780374355494 | 32 pages | $16.99 |
About the Author and Illustrator: Deborah Diesen grew up in Midland, Michigan, and started writing poems at a young age. She has worked as a bookseller and a librarian, and now works for a small nonprofit organization, but her greatest joy comes from writing for children. She lives with her family in Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Dan Hanna has over ten years experience in the animation industry, and his work has appeared on BBC America and the Cartoon Network. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.
More information: The Pout-Pout Fish was a 2008 Time Magazine “Top Ten Children’s Book.” Since then, Mr. Fish has won over the hearts of millions of young readers as he Goes to School, faces the Big-Big Dark, learns to Smile, discovers how to Dream, and plays Hide-and-Seek. Today there are more than 2.5 million Pout-Pout Fish books in print.
My Review: This is a rhyming story that has beautiful repetition. The Pout Pout fish has a problem, to find the perfect gifts for his friends. He searches high and low and comes up empty handed. The story has a wonderful message for this time of year, it’s not what we give others that matters, it’s about offering our friendship, time or talents. In the end, as the fish discovers this important message, he creates homemade gifts to give his friends at their holiday party. My favorite part of this story? The unique additions to the illustrations. We spent time reading the labels on the gifts at the store, the names of Pout Pout’s fish friends and we giggled the entire time. We also took our time admiring the unique and silly gifts that Pout Pout made for everyone. This is a must have book for the holidays!!! Enter to win below or head over to Amazon and purchase a copy!
Giveaway: Please enter below to win a copy of the book! You must be 18 years or older and live in the US.