Marcus Pfister

I came across this book recently while going through old Scholastics lists, and it instantly brought back some fond memories. But I was surprised to see that a 1-star review is the most liked one here, so instead of rating this book a three and moving on, I found a pdf of the book on an archive site to read.

And I agree with the more critical reviewers. Through the eye-catching artwork, this book is essentially a favorable view of conformity and prejudice. It also fits right in with that show more "everyone is special" message that I was often subject to while growing up. Inevitably, there will be times in life when it's smarter to blend in rather than stick out, but Pfister either doesn't care about showing a bit more depth to the matter, or he believes that the jealousy and pressure exerted by the other fish is a valid way to treat those who are different.

This is almost like a modern retelling of the story of Jacob and Joseph from the Bible, except instead of his brothers pushing Joseph into the well, Joseph tears his multi-colored cloak apart and gives pieces of it to his jealous brothers in order to make them happy (although Joseph's sordid tale also brings up the matter of favoritism). And Seuss already satirized something like this with his own story, "The Sneetches". Some of Roald Dahl's stories must've, too, but I can't think of any at the moment. If only Pfister showed an honest continuation of the rainbow fish's life, we would probably witness a lot of the fish's inner turmoil and regret.

At least the art's not too bad. It's much better than the story and its questionable ideas. show less

You know author Marcus Pfister even if you think you don’t: He’s the genius behind the children’s classic The Rainbow Fish. And like The Rainbow Fish, Pfister’s latest A Penguin Like Me will be heading toward the banned-books lists that are proliferating across America.

That’s because the inclusivity that will make readers adore this book — different colors, interests, autism, sensory issues, sexuality, extrovert vs. introvert, disabilities, etc. — are sure to put this show more delightful picture book in the crosshairs of self-appointed censors and their Star Chambers of choice. It’s too bad, as I like this Penguin-palooza even more than The Rainbow Fish. “A penguin is a penguin is a penguin” says the blurb for A Penguin Like Me. Would that more people understood that!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review. show less

In the Rainbow Fish the central theme by Macus Pfister is joy and the generosity that comes from sharing. Pfister portrays this by showing how the Rainbow fish’ isolation from his loneliness due to his lack of sharing. Once he begins to share he finds friendship and happiness. The story communicates to children that giving benefits both the giver and the receiver. The Rainbow fish is a lively charter, from starting as selfish to generous, kind and selfless. In the beginning of the book his show more beauty isolated him but his will to change allows him to connect with others. This shows personal growth and how letting go of an ego can be good.
Pfisters uses simple, rhythmic, and repetitive language; these literary elements make the reading for younger children. Not only this book for children but it also shows morals in being kind and generous. The book's illustrations play an essential role in its appeal to children. The designs not only grab the children's attention but also reinforce the theme. Creating the setting of vibrant colors with the joy the fish has contrasts to the Rainbows fish's initial loneliness.
This story is relevant to children by showing an example of friendship and sharing and how happy that can make someone compared to being lonely. It encourages young kids to use generosity and when you do it will make you happy in the end. I personally love and connect this book as I remember my third grade teacher reading it to my class on the first day. This book is when I really learned how much happier and stronger friendships can be if your nice and caring. show less

This is a lovely store of a raven who simply did not fit in with the older, more experienced members of the flock. No matter how hard he tried, he simply missed the meaning of what was expected of him. He was puny and thus would never be accepted.

The narrator is a member of the nasty group who heckled him. He had told the puny little guy that he would never fly and then was severely picked on by the others. No doubt about it, they were mean to him. Their bullying hurt him deeply.

When he grew show more larger he thought he would belong and thus asked if he could fly with them. They nastily said "no, not until you fly to the moon!!!" They bragged they previously accomplished this feat daily when they were his age. Jabbing at the little raven, making him believe he never, ever would be as good as them.

He felt that if he could fly higher and higher that maybe he would be accepted. One night as he looked at the large silver moon, he spread his wings and aiming to fly as high as he could, he did almost reach the beautiful orb. His wings were glittering silvery and as bright as the moon itself.

Then, suddenly, his wings lost power, most likely because his silvery wings were far too heavy. The next morning, he was found lifeless in a hedge close to a tree. Perhaps he came more close to the moon than any other bird. He now gained respect from the flock who were sorry and sure they would miss him.

As his mother sobbed, all were afraid. His little eyes opened. And, he told the flock that he didn't make it, and he was told that they never made it either and merely told him that to get rid of him. And, now, he asked the flock if they could play. Then, they all noticed that he had a silver feather shining on his wing. "I didn't make it," he cried. And the bird who felt the worst about all the nasty bullying admitted that they never made it either, they were just bragging he admitted. "Can you forgive me?" asked the black raven with a heart.

And, instead of replying the little moon raven flew in the air and told the flock to come and play. Now, They all followed as he flew higher.

This is a lovely story of the things we all do to try to fit in. In the little Raven's case, he almost paid a very high price for his attempt at reaching the silvery moon. But, he had a badge of courage to award for his efforts.

This book touched me deeply. I'll keep this one on my shelf.

4.5 Stars. show less