"Richard came to live in the big tank
in our kitchen, with all my sister's
fish. There were lots of plants to
nibble, rocks to suck, and pebbles to
search through for bits of food.
Goldfish have been kept as pets
for more than a thousand years."
When you get your first pet, it is quite obvious that said pet needs an important moniker. Our young narrator determines, upon coming eye-to-eye with this 'very own goldfish', that he would be named Richard. It is a good life for the tiny fish. The narrator's voice is observant, providing a precise picture of their days spent together. Sharing these observations and feelings from the child's perspective allows the author to add related facts in a different, smaller font.
"Scientists believe goldfish can remember
things for up to five months."
"Goldfish have verry good eyesight - they
can see even more colors than humans."
When a friend comes over to meet Richard, he proves to be very knowledgeable when it comes to goldfish and he shares a lot of facts not yet mentioned. Sandy also offers an invitation for the future: if Richard should get too big for his roomy aquarium, he can come and live in Sandy's backyard pond. 4 1/2 years later that is exactly what happens. Who knew a goldfish could live so long and grow to be such a size?
Everything about this narrative nonfiction is appealing: the text is written with young children in mind, and from Ms. Rayner's own experience; the mixed media artwork attracts attention with gorgeous color, a serene setting, and constantly changing perspectives. An author's note and a useful index are presented in back matter.
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