The Rainbow Fish

OK, it's pretty. But it's message is highly peculiar - give away what makes you special to make others like you. It's not possible and that's not how group dynamics work.

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 "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 show more 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

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is a really cute children's book. This book was one of my favorite books as a kid and after rereading it I would still have to say this is one of my favorites. I rated it four out of five stars because it's a beautifully illustrated book that teaches a valuable lesson about sharing and friendship. The main theme is that true happiness comes from generosity and connection with others, not from possessions. The book shows how selfishness can lead to loneliness, while sharing brings joy and acceptance. The rainbow Fish learns that by sharing his beautiful scales he gains something far more precious which are friends.

The Rainbow Fish was one of my favorite books as a child and, while I do admit the sentimental value this book holds for me has likely swayed my opinion, I still consider The Rainbow Fish to be a wonderful picturebook after re-reading it from an adult perspective. I loved the book's colorful illustrations, especially the "sparkling silver scales" made from shimmering paper. I thought that the use of mixed media and different textures made the illustrations more visually interesting and captivating for me as a reader, and I was more tempted to interact with the images on the page through touch. I thought that the rest of the illustrations, painted in watercolor with the use of more muted shades served as a perfect backdrop for the silver show more scales because the duller tones really made the shiny paper "pop" in contrast, illustrating just how magnificent the Rainbow Fish's scales were. The watercolors used for the Rainbow Fish's other scales were much brighter than the other colors on the page as well, which made the Rainbow Fish's outstanding beauty all the more noticeable. At first glance, I also liked the "big idea" of the book, which is that friendship is more important than material items, that arrogance and snobbery prevent one from making friends, and that it is good to share with others. At the beginning of the story, the Rainbow Fish had many shimmering scales of which he was very proud, but that pride led to vanity that only served to isolate him from the other fish. After speaking to the wise octopus, the Rainbow Fish decided to give away one of his scales to each of the other fish, sacrificing his beauty for friendship. As a child, I thought that the Rainbow Fish had a very positive "big idea" about the importance of friendship, but when I began to analyze the book through an adult lens, I realized that there were several messages in the book that did not sit right with me. Firstly, I did not like that the solution to the Rainbow Fish's problems was to give away his scales, parts of his body, to others in order to make friends. Rather than mutilating himself, I think that the Rainbow Fish should have learned not to be so preoccupied with his appearance and to be humble while still appreciating his most prized possessions. Furthermore, I did not like that the Rainbow Fish tried to "buy" himself friends with gifts, because those "friends" are not necessarily true friends. The other fish were likely being kind to the Rainbow Fish just to get scales, not because they wanted to be his friend. I also thought that the fact that the Rainbow Fish gave away all of his scales so that everyone had one scale was a bit disconcerting. The Rainbow Fish's problem was solved only when he gave an equal amount of his "wealth" to each of the other fish. This equal allotment of scales seemed somewhat reminiscent of socialist and communist ideals to me. I also think that the fact that all of the fish looked the same in the end was a potentially harmful message, as it suggests that it is much better to conform to a standard and be the same as everyone else than it is to express one's individuality. While these negative messages in The Rainbow Fish did trouble me, I do not think that they were intentional and I think that the positive messages of friendship and sharing are much more apparent when reading the book. For this reason, I would give the book 4 stars. show less

The Rainbow Fish By…Marcus Pfister

In my opinion, this is a very eye-catching, appealing children’s book. I really enjoyed reading this book and thought the vibrant illustrations did a great job in helping deliver the authors powerful message. Pfister presents the message that the rainbow fish learns to make friends by sharing his most valuable possessions. This lesson relates to young children and teaches them that although the rainbow fish is the most beautiful, that is not what is really important. The author also demonstrates the significance about having confidence in yourself and emphasizes the happiness that comes from giving to others. At first, the big fish acts hesitant to share his glimmering scales with the other fish in show more the sea but when the wise octopus offers advice, he realizes he is much happier when he shares his scales with his other friends.
This book is beautifully illustrated and includes shimmery, colorful holographs to engage the readers. I like how children are able to understand the concepts shared in the story and explains that sharing can lead to friendships. In addition, I think the dynamic characters and talking animals will attract young readers. Also, the author’s strong universal message will leave a lasting impact on all readers.
Throughout this book, the author uses third person narration. I also liked how he used descriptive language when introducing rainbow fish. He said, “his scales were every shade of blue and green and purple, with sparkling silver scales among them.” This type of language helped me, as a reader, visualize the rainbow fish and all of his scales. The author did a fantastic job using appropriate language that young readers would be able to decode and get the overall message. I also really liked the ending because it connected back to the authors message. Pfister says, “Finally the rainbow fish had only one shining scale left. His most prized possessions had been given away, yet he was very happy.” This line reinforces the fact that sharing can make you feel good as a person and highlights the importance of your inner beauty. show less

Ideology for children. The book is beautifully made, but I really hated its message. The rainbow fish is born with his pretty scales, he didn't take away anything from anybody. Yet, to be considered a "good fish", he is supposed to give away his pretty scales for free, just because somebody asks for them.

The proper response would have been "Fuck you, other fish! If you only pretend to like me if I give you my scales, you are not real friends. I am better off without you.".

The book ends with the fish having only one scale left, not being beautiful anymore at all. That is supposed to be a happy end. What is not shown is how the other fish stop playing with him anyway, because they will be more interested in the next shiny fish swimming show more along.

Of course sharing is good, and it can help to make friends. But to show it as a socially mandated thing and paint the rainbow fish as egoistic because initially he doesn't want to give up his scales is insane. show less

I have never seen a picture book with better illustrations. With all the bright colors, the glittery scales, and the blending, The Rainbow Fish catches its reader’s attention immediately. The development of the main character throughout the story helps bring the theme alive as well, as he learns about the importance of sharing and being nice.
The theme in this picture book is quite possibly one of the most important things a child can learn; you can be pretty and look good, but that won’t get you anywhere unless you’re also nice and likeable.
I’ve loved this book for as long as I can remember, it was always my first pick for silent reading time in elementary school. :)