"The angler fish lives in the deepest part of the
ocean and looks the way all fish do on
the inside. The angler fish attracts poor
defenseless crabs by glowing.
This is called "bioluminescence."
It's also called "cheating" and
"being a nasty, tricksy fish.""
The narrator begins this brilliant and wacky picture book with authentic descriptions of mammals, reptiles, and birds. When it comes to fish, he warns, they are not to be trusted. He insists that fish follow no rules when it comes to their common traits.
"Some of them have gills.
Some have lungs.
Some live in salt water.
Some live in fresh water.
Some lay eggs.
Some don't.
They are rebels and outlaws.
DON'T TRUST FISH."
There is nothing consistent about the fish species. With each turn of the page, readers continue to be made aware of proof that trusting fish would be a big mistake. If you are a fan of Dan Santat's artistic acumen and have decided to check this book out for that reason, you will be endlessly entertained by his ability to bring meaning and humor to each successive page.
Because we can't see them, it is difficult to trust what they are planning in the time they spend underwater. Jeff appears to be the leader; he is obviously cagey and cannot be trusted. While he looks completely innocent when first met, we learn he is the king to whom all fish report their findings. Even if someone reputable introduces a fish you can trust, DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. No fish can be trusted, and that's the cold, hard truth.
After all the warnings, the narrator reminds readers that amphibians are certainly trustworthy. The book ends ... or does it??? A final surprise spread teaches readers all they need to know about the teller of the story.
Have you got a goldfish at home or in your classroom? BE CAREFUL!
This book is definitely a 10! It's already on the 'keepers' shelf.
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