Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale by Marcus Pfister Herbert, M Pfister

From the Publisher

The third book in the bestselling Rainbow Fish series is now available in a spectacular big book edition.

Children's Literature

Anyone familiar with Marcus Pfister's "Rainbow Fish" series knows that it is the magically reflecting silver fish scales of Rainbow Fish and his friends that first attract the eyes and fingers of young readers. The artwork in this board book adaptation provides similar visual and tactile stimulation. In this abbreviated retelling, Rainbow Fish and his friends happily eat krill along the reef until, one day, a gentle whale begins eating beside them. Because the whale stares at them, they panic, thinking the whale might eat them as well. As Rainbow Fish and his friends swim away, the whale feels hurt, and then he grows angry. He lashes at the little fish with his giant tail and, doing so, drives the fish and the krill away from the reef. In the end, which comes quickly in this small, six page book, Rainbow Fish approaches the whale to say they are sorry. The whale admits that he had merely been staring "because your shiny scales are so pretty." Protected by their new friend, Rainbow Fish and his friends swim off to find a new home. Soon, they forget their "terrible fight," and we do too, fascinated as we are by the plump, pastel fish, with their shiny silver scales. The eye-catching illustrations will encourage babies to turn the pages and the simple action will allow caregivers to paraphrase and amplify the retelling. However, toddlers will not understand the story as it is presented in this format. By the time they do understand this tale of misunderstanding and forgiveness, they will be old enough to look at and listen to the original version. 2001 (orig. 1998), North-South Books, $9.95. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Jeanne Whitehouse

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-The winsome and sensible fish who stole preschoolers' hearts in Rainbow Fish (1992) and Rainbow Fish to the Rescue (1995, both North-South) has returned. In this story, Rainbow Fish and his friends must share their food and their space with a gentle old whale who comes to their reef. The fish with the jagged scales complains that the blue whale is watching them, and soon everyone views the large mammal as an enemy. After a skirmish in which the whale scares all of the little fish into a cave, Rainbow Fish realizes that it is up to him to approach the larger animal and make peace. A heart-to-heart talk between the two reveals that the whale watched the fish only because he admired their beauty. Indeed, the holographic silver foil applied to the fins and scales of these expressive and colorfully illustrated fish is eye-catching. The glittering watercolor artwork of this book has the same child appeal of its popular predecessors. However, the story is thin, possessing more adjectives than action. Its moral theme of tolerance and communication, while admirable, can be found in at least a dozen better books. This one is for those already enamored of Rainbow Fish. It is not likely to win new fans.-Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA

Parade

Welcome back to Rainbow Fish! It's amazing how a few strips of tinfoil and a vividly colorful imagination can confer longevity upon an imaginary creature. Marcus Pfister's glittering little underwater friend swims again in the delightful Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale. This time Rainbow Fish and his schoolmates, all of whom now sport sparkling scales, are admired by a visiting whale. Unfortunately, they mistake his intentions and go into hiding. It's all a mistake, however, and at the end the whale and his new pals swim happily of into the future-and probably the next book.

Kirkus Reviews

Pfister's winking do-gooder returns; Rainbow Fish and his pals find their krill-eating grounds mooched upon by a huge blue whale. The whale appears to mean no harm, and when the "fish with the ragged fins" calls him a "wicked whale," his feelings are hurt. Accordingly, he menaces the school until Rainbow Fish enters into peace talks. Thereupon the scales are smoothed, the blowholes quieted, and the sea creatures return to a state of bliss: "It was a wonderful life." It's almost painfully formulaic, but some children will never get enough of Rainbow Fish, who has now been promoted to ambassador of peace of the pelagic domain. (Picture book. 5-8)

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