FISH!

Little ones can learn fish facts by lifting sturdy flaps.

Each page is a busy mélange of stock photos of fish framed in thick lines and bright colors. Flat cartoon art, in the wide-eyed style many PBS viewers will recognize, decorates the edges of the page. One- or two-sentence captions in bright text boxes share simple facts on the verso: “The reef is full of colorful fish. The parrotfish munches algae that grows on coral.” On the recto, a partial thought is shared, with a surprising completion of that thought under a heavy-duty flap: “Even though they are called goldfish… / they can be black, white, orange, or multicolored!” Green-skinned cartoon PBS Kids offer quips via speech bubbles, making jokes that may go over most toddlers’ heads; “Can this pup fetch?” asks one in reference to a shark pup. Fish-loving youngsters will likely see some of their favorite creatures here: sharks, clown fish, and seahorses. Many of the photos are ill-served by the busy layout and compact trim size, but the flaps are the sturdiest in the business and will likely survive vigorous play and exploration.

A teeming presentation of underwater life that will likely satisfy active fish fans but overwhelm less-committed readers.