Book Source: We would like to thank the Claredon Hills Public Library for providing a copy of this book for review.
Fabulous Fishes, written and illustrated by Susan Stockdale
32 pages, ages 4-8
Peachtree Publishers, 2008
Welcome to the underwater world where varieties of fish abound! Stockdale’s deceptively simple text introduces readers to 20 exotic and familiar fish. Youngsters will be hooked by the rhyming, rhythmic lines: “Shiny fish, spiny fish, / Fish that hitch a ride. /Flatfish, catfish, / Fish that ride the tide.” Bold acrylic illustrations depict fish in action— diving, leaping, hitching a ride, hiding in the sand, hunting prey and glowing in the dark. Who wouldn’t be interested in learning more about the swordfish, flounder, remora, lantern fish, mudskipper, porcupine fish and others? The final two-page spread contains a brief factoid about each of the species, noting its proper name, habitat, and an unusual characteristic or behavior. Primary grade school students and young biologists in the making are sure to be reeled in by this fascinating, fun-to-read book.
–Review by Heidi Bee Roemer.
Susan Stockdale is an award winning author and illustrator. She says that her artistic talents were influenced by her childhood experiences in Miami and Ireland. She loved the bright colors she saw at Parrot Jungle and the lush Irish landscape. When studying art in college, she found herself drawn to the ‘fanciful imagery’ from her youth. Susan’s love of words and persistence came from her mother who was an author and poet. Susan has considered writing fiction, but then finds another topic that fascinates her…and she’s back to doing research! –Bio by Laura Crawford.
This post is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by Write About Now blog.
I loved this book and also reviewed it, as well as wrote the teacher guide for Peachtre. I love the idea of the book and how Stockdale included so many varieties of fish in it in such a simple manner.
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