The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish

The young boy-narrator of this amusing picture-book from author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Dave McKean, who have also collaborated on such titles as Coraline and The Wolves in the Walls, relates how he came to swap his newspaper-reading father for his friend Nathan's two goldfish. His younger sister, not unnaturally, predicts trouble, and sure enough, when the boy's mother comes home, he is made to take the goldfish back. Unfortunately, Nathan has since traded the father on, and boy and sister must set out on an ever-lengthening journey to retrieve him, tracing him through multiple swaps to multiple young people...

Apparently Gaiman made his children's book debut with The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, which put me strongly in show more mind of that folktale type in which the hero must make a series of exchanges, in order to obtain the desired object in the end. Classic Swedish author Elsa Beskow explored this idea (in a far, far sweeter way than here!) in her Pelle's New Suit. Despite the absurd premise, or perhaps because of it, I really enjoyed the story here, which, if you can suspend your disbelief, is an amusing tale indeed. McKean's artwork has his trademark creepy appeal, with a collage/mixed-media style that somehow works well with the story. The text here is quite extensive for a picture-book, so I would say that this one would work better for older, middle-grade readers. Recommended (of course!) to Neil Gaiman fans, and to anyone looking for more mature picture-books with a quirky, offbeat sense of humor. show less

First read this many years ago, now decided to buy a copy for my son. Of course I read it for myself first. The way the book is put together is a classic children's tale - of a quest where each step leads you to the next, until finally you reach your goal, but the premise is highly entertaining, and I love th way dad never emerges from his newspaper. Dave McKean's illustrations are wonderful in both senses, and I'm interested to see what my 5 year old will think of them, as they are a bit over the top in some ways, and I don't know if they'd distract from the story for a younger reader? I came to this originally as a Sandman fan, so the style felt more natural to me then than it does now.

I haven't yet listened to the audio-CD that came show more with my edition, but look forward to doing so. show less

This is a dark and mild walking adventure story about a boy who swapped his father for two goldfish and had to work hard to undo his mistake once his mother found out. He follows the trail of trades done back to his father still reading the morning paper. It's a darkly drawn (my Dave McKean, illustrator of Coraline and Wolves in the Wall) picture book that is subtle and quite fun. This is a good design example for high school students in emulation and great for grades 5-7.

What could possibly happen if you were a child who so wanted to have your friend's 2 goldfishes that you'd be willing to swap your Dad for them?

The children's actions are nuanced in a charming yet realistic manner, and it's easy to freely accept the logic of the book because it is, in essence, child logic.

McKean's drawings are primarily ink and what appears to be oil pastels, with occasional photographic images and newsprint worked in; full of collages, hidden messages, paint textures. Truly delightful and seamlessly ties with Gaiman's funny story.

I strongly suggest reading Gaiman's afterword. It's quite interesting and explains a lot about the book. As he said, "Of course one ought to be able to trade a father for goldfish. It show more seemed a sensible thing to do." :)

Book Details:

Title The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish
Author Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean
Reviewed By Purplycookie show less

It’s got a creepy fable-esque vibe to it, in good part to Dave McKean’s art style (which I’ve never been partial to). Quirky, but I can’t imagine most kids would actually appreciate it. If you have to be older to do so, is it that successful of a picture book?

Tag under "bizarre," this is classic Gaiman, exploring the dark side of children's thoughts. A boy trades his father away for a couple of fish and then needs to get him back....because his mother said so. This is a good mentor text for voice and word choice. The mixed-media illustrations underscore the slightly creepy tone. This one will give kids a secret thrill at the idea of getting rid of a family member.

I bought this on a whim while browsing at a comic shop three or four years ago. The art is great (although the color tones are not my personal favorite); the story is just all right. The portrait of the big brother and his kid sister is fantastic kinds of real, but I guess I also expected the swapping thing to be really funny, and it was meh.

I had no idea until looking at this on Goodreads that Gaiman was the author. (I know, I know, but I really don't always pay attention to that crucial bit of information.) I guess I have to stop telling myself I haven't read any of his actual books now.