Reader’s Annotation: Even Pout-Pout fish can be happy! Or, so one smug fish discovers after being kissed by a relentlessly cheerful fish, who spreads cheer instead of "dreary wearies.
Author: Deborah DiesenIllustrator: Dan Hannaage: 3-6 years, preschool and up
genre: children's fiction
Plot Summary: Pout, Pout fish is "naturally pouty." This is his response to his friends who ask him to cheer up. He defends his right to pout until one experience changes his attitude, making him turn his frown upside down. An act of kindness in the form of a kiss makes Pout, Pout chose happiness.
Evaluation: Pout Pout Fish craftily uses illustration and alliteration to teach young children (ages 2-6) that they are indeed in control of their own attitude. The language is fun, and goofy. Illustrations are also fun and would not be so brilliant if Pout, Pout was anything other than a fish.
It is a great way to explore how one's own behavior can affect those around them. The story also sends a positive message about small acts of kindness. Using a fish, with a naturally large mouth, was clever as expressions are visible to the tiniest of readers. The final page in this book is bound to induce a giggle or two from its young audience members, maybe even an silly smooch.
Significance & Bibliotherapeutic Usefullness: This book addresses behavior, it is a teaching tool.
Readalikes: The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark, The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School, The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish.
Awards/Lists: New York Times bestseller
links to reviews in professional review sources
Hook: This book was recommended to me by a couple of moms in my mom's group after I mentioned that my daughter recently started to pout as a method to get something she wanted. They said the book is a great way to not only teach children about how their attitude affects others, but it almost always generates a grin or giggle in a child when they are called a "Pout, Pout Fish."
Ideas, uses
ISBN: 978-0374360979
Page count: 36 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Format: hardcover, paperback, Boardbk
