Graphic Pick: Fish Girl

Fish Girl
by Donna Jo Napoli
Illustratons by David Wiesner
Clarion Books
2017
192 pages
ISBN: 9780547483931


Ethereal illustrations by David Wiesner capture the beauty of Fish Girl and her aquarium home. Colorful sea creatures are realistic and beautiful. A friendly orange octopus is the epitome of a true friend. Fish Girl is a captive in an aquarium. Caught as a baby "mer-son," Fish Girl owes her life and sustanence to Neptune, the sea god. Neptune is the only parent figure Fish Girl has ever known, and he claims he saved her from death, giving her a home at the aquarium. The only thing he asks is that she "perform"--allowing visitors to glimpse a sighting of her. She is not allowed to fully  appear to anyone and cannot interact with the human guests. Neptune warns her that if people really believe that she's a mermaid, someone will come and take her away to study and cut open. This is enough to frighten her into subservience.

One day, this all changes when a curious twelve year old named Livia bonds with her. Fish Girl cannot speak and has no legs to walk, but she dreams of being human. What would it be like to have legs and walk on dry land and wear real clothes and  attend a yoga class? Livia continues to sneak visits with Fish Girl whom she names Mira (short for Miracle) and wonders where Fish Girl came from and just who Neptune really is. After one of her visits, Mira questions her keeper's intentions as well. She searches Neptune's office and finds overdue bills and a photo of Neptune fishing on a boat.Mira realizes her "father" is not the god of the sea but a common fisherman and he's been lying to her about everything.

Mira  decides she wants out and enlists the help of Octopus in her foray. Her friend will do anything for her and does.

Fish Girl is the strange but wonderful story of a mermaid and a human who become friends and later sisters. It is full of friendship, hope, possibilities and love.

Magnificent art will win over even "boy" readers who thinks that Fish Girl is a "girl" story. One reviewer on Amazon reported that her son said, "while he said this was a "girl story" (a huge insult for a 4th grade boy), he eventually succumbed to mom's pleas and read it and called it, "pretty good, but still would have been better with boys" ... Which is basically a rave review for him..." That being said, if boys are led to this book, they will likely enjoy the story and the fantastic graphic content. 


Highly, highly recommended for fans of graphic novels and middle school readers. 

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. 

If Kids Ran the World
by Leo & Diane Dillon
Blue Sky Press
2014
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545441964

Available August 26, 2014

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Kids can and WILL change the world. This beautifully inspired multicultural children's book embraces children of the world and the strength of the human spirit. Leo and Diane Dillon, highly regarded by critics and honors committees, have written and illustrated stories for over 50 years. Past honors include two Caldecott Medals, five Coretta Scott King Awards and induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. If Kids Ran the World will cement the Dillons' place in children's publishing and in children's hearts.

If kids ran the world, children would work together to solve the world's biggest problems: hunger and poverty, having a safe place to live, and not worrying about sickness. All people would have access to medical care and everyone in hospitals would get happy, smiling visitors. People would greet each other with smiles and laughter, more people would play and laugh, more would dance, some would even sing.

If kids ran the world, every school would be well funded with great teachers and interesting classes. All schools would be fun and inspirational. Every place would be considered an all use space; there would be no special clubs that didn't allow some people to join. All kids know what's the most important thing in the world--far more important than money--and it is, "...love: giving it, sharing it, showing it."

If Kids Ran the World is a great addition to any young child's book collection. Illustrations speak for this book. Even if there were no copy, the illustrations alone would  carry this book.

Recommended pre-K-up. This little book would be an inspirational bedtime read.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)