MODULE 1: RAINBOW FISH
In this book, we see
the Rainbow Fish swimming along, proud of his shiny scales. All the
other fish were jealous of his shiny scales, and when a little fish asked
if he can have a shiny scale, Rainbow Fish rudely refused to share
his scales. But he was unhappy because none of the other
fish wanted to be his friend, except for Starfish. Starfish
explained that he needed to talk to the wise Octopus. The Octopus tells him that
he must share his scales with those around him. So Rainbow Fish shared a
scale with the little fish, and change began to happen. Soon, he felt
happy from his new friendship and began sharing with the other fish in his pond.
APA Reference of Book:
Pfister, M., & James, J. A.
(1992). The rainbow fish. New York: North- South Books.
Impressions:
Rainbow Fish is a mainstay found in most elementary school
libraries and classrooms. This sweet,
colorful book with shiny spots catches the attention of the students and the
story can be used for many different topics that come up during the year. The colors and layout of the illustrations
fill the page and help the reader feel a part of the underwater setting of the
story. This book opens up conversation
easily about what it means to be a good friend, being selfish, sharing and ways
to be truly happy. While these are easy topics for younger children to relate
to when looking at the actions of the Rainbow Fish, it can also lead to more in
depth conversation for older elementary children about the actions of the other
fish, and how they could have responded to Rainbow Fish when he didn’t want to
share something he was so proud of. This is a wonderful addition to any
elementary school collection.
“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.
(Oct.)”
The Rainbow Fish. (1999)
(Undetermined). Publisher's Weekly.
Library Uses:
Rainbow Fish can be used to discuss sharing and being a good
friend. For many schools who are
Lighthouse Schools through the Leader in Me program, Rainbow Fish can be used to discuss Habit 4: Think Win Win.
