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ALL THE FISH IN THE WORLD

Name: ALL THE FISH IN THE WORLD
Author: David Opie
ISBN: 978-1-4413-3578-4

by David Opie ; illustrated by David Opie ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 15, 2021

A broad and engaging introduction to the largest vertebrate group.

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Mudskipper shows Trout that it’s not so easy to say “what makes a fish a fish.”

There are thousands of ways to be a fish. While most fish have scales, fins, backbones, a streamlined shape, and gills for breathing underwater, there are surprising exceptions. As he did with the kiwi in All the Birds in the World (2020), Opie picks an outlier to be a main character in this introduction to a wide-ranging animal category. Spread by spread, Mudskipper shows Trout ways that fish are alike and different in underwater scenes filled with clearly recognizable fish. (Scene by scene, over 150 species are identified, according to the key in the backmatter). One spread shows fish that differ in shape and color; another, size; a third, different patterns; and a fourth considers scales. Varieties of sharks and rays illustrate the point that some fish skeletons are made of cartilage, not bone. Rotating the book 90 degrees reveals fish that swim in dark sea depths. The author also covers nests, eggs, and live birthing as well as different sensory organs, locomotion, and breathing. Finally readers learn what makes Mudskipper special. “There’s never just one way to be a fish,” Mudskipper concludes; narrative text clarifies: “Over 33,000 ways, to be a little more precise.” There’s solid science information in the text, but the story is carried through by conversation between the two named fish. Aquarium visitors will recognize some of the more striking species.

A broad and engaging introduction to the largest vertebrate group. (author’s notes) (Informational picture book. 5-10)

Pub Date: July 15, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-4413-3578-4

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Peter Pauper Press

Review Posted Online: April 13, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

- BOOK REVIEW
ALL THE BIRDS IN THE WORLD
by David Opie ; illustrated by David Opie

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE WAS AN OLD GATOR WHO SWALLOWED A MOTH
by B.J. Lee ; illustrated by David Opie

- BOOK REVIEW
DOZER'S RUN
by Debbie Levy with Rosana Panza ; illustrated by David Opie

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THE CAT MAN OF ALEPPO

by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha ; illustrated by Yuko Shimizu ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2020

A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity

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When the war comes to Syria, many flee, but Alaa stays in his beloved city, Aleppo, where he continues to work as an ambulance driver and helps the wounded to safety.

Day after day, he misses his family and friends who have left, wondering where they are and how they are doing. His neighborhood empties—except for cats! However, these cats are affected by the conflict too; they’re left behind with shelters destroyed and food and water stringently limited. Alaa, who has a big heart, starts taking care of them using the little money he has. The love between man and cats multiplies, and many people from around the world step up to help. Soon, the cats of Aleppo get a pleasant shelter set in a courtyard. However, Alaa does not stop there and goes on to help other animals and more people, spreading joy, love, and hope. Based on a true story, this picture book is distinctive for its engaging narrative and impeccable illustrations. It is also enriched with notes from Alaa himself (the real one) as well as the authors and illustrator. The often-dramatic images offer a glimpse of the city prior to the conflict and a window on the real people who experience war and try to survive and help others around them.

A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity . (Picture book. 6-9)

Pub Date: April 14, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-9848-1378-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY
edited by Irene Latham & Charles Waters ; illustrated by Olivia Sua

- BOOK REVIEW
THE MISTAKES THAT MADE US
edited by Irene Latham & Charles Waters ; illustrated by Mercè López

- BOOK REVIEW
THE MUSEUM ON THE MOON
by Irene Latham ; illustrated by Myriam Wares

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AND TANGO MAKES THREE

by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell ; illustrated by Henry Cole ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2005

Unlike Harvey Fierstein’s groundbreaking The Sissy Duckling (2002), also illustrated by Cole, this doesn’t carry its agenda...

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In this true, straightforwardly (so to speak) delivered tale, two male chinstrap penguins at New York City’s Central Park Zoo bond, build a nest and—thanks to a helping hand from an observant zookeeper—hatch and raise a penguin chick.

Seeing that the penguins dubbed Roy and Silo “did everything together. They bowed to each other. And walked together. They sang to each other. And swam together,” their keeper, Mr. Gramzay, thinks, “They must be in love.” And so, when Roy and Silo copy the other penguin couples and build a nest of stones, it’s Gramzay who brings a neighboring couple’s second egg for them to tend, then names the resulting hatchling “Tango.” Cole gives the proud parents and their surrogate offspring small smiles, but otherwise depicts figures and setting with tidy, appealing accuracy.

Unlike Harvey Fierstein’s groundbreaking The Sissy Duckling (2002), also illustrated by Cole, this doesn’t carry its agenda on its shoulder; readers may find its theme of acceptance even more convincing for being delivered in such a matter of fact, non-preachy way. (afterword) (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9)