THE FISH FROM JAPAN

The kite that Harvey's uncle sends from Japan is not the kind of fish he expected, and the outcome will surprise you. Having told his classmates that a fish is on the way, Harvey takes the transparent jar he's prepared to school the next day, and pretends that the fish is transparent too. At first dubious, the children begin to believe they see the fish, even draw it in detail (the teacher looking skeptical but keeping quiet). After school he takes the jar home, announces the following day that a cat ate the fish. . . . Harvey's successful deception may raise some hackles; others will applaud his ingenuity. The story seems somewhat contrived until you see where it's going, and the pictures have no particular distinction, but it's satisfying to see a youngster--especially a diffident youngster--think himself out of his own dilemma and follow through with aplomb.