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While some adults may read this tale as either a morbid take on the traditional fish story or a thinly veiled call to vegetarianism, it is intended to be neither. Grownups occasionally need reminding that for children, the concept of death is not nearly so fraught with fear and panic and heartache as it is for adults. Arlene isn't much bothered by it either. She knows that sardines are, by definition, dead fish--she simply marks her target and shoots for it.
Raschka earned a Caldecott Honor for Yo! Yes?, and his Mysterious Thelonious garnered acclaim as the New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of 1997. In Arlene Sardine, he uses exuberant pastel watercolors and bold, abstract strokes to bring the undersea world alive (and keep it kicking even after the sea life is dead). His text is typically minimal and musical: "Then she was smoked, delicately. She was delicately smoked. Delicately smoked was she." Children will enjoy this matter-of-fact yet playful telling of one tiny fish's journey to sardinehood (and in the process discover words like fjord, thronging, and hermetically), and parents may also learn a thing or two by loosening up and swimming along for the ride. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"One Fish, Two Fish, Red...",
By Crazy James (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Arlene Sardine (Hardcover)
I have heard it stated that there is a very thin line between genius and insanity. Arlene the Sardine is very close to this line in dealing with the issue of death. Those who are scared of the potential of suicide might be very frightened by this book and would rate it low accordingly. The book, about a young fish who wants to become a sardine deals with death in an exceptionally playful manner... so playful that some could consider it macabre. This is a book one will either love or hate. Though, I was somewhat disturbed by the book... I believe that the book is exceedingly well done, with beautiful illustrations, and a playful narrative. It seemed reminiscent of the fairy tales of old... which were far more dark than today's Disney versions. It is a book definitely worth checkig out from your local library.Crazy James
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
My daughter loves it, but I don't.,
By JL Cooley "Mom 2 2" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Arlene Sardine (Hardcover)
Well, I agree with most of the reviews that this book is not appropriate for kids. My daughter (age 3 1/2) constantly asks me to read the book, and her big question is, "Do you think Arlene really wanted to be a sardine? Why?" This book has opened up a can of sardines, so to speak. I have tried to explain that no animal willingly wants to die. I have also tried to explain "thronging" from a scientific standpoint so she can understand the purpose of it. I HATE THE BOOK. But, she loves it. She loves to act out the scenes such as getting caught in a purse net. We have even eaten sardines--brislings, too!
The one redeeming quality of the book is the langauge. The author performs some wordplay that I think is very exceptional for teaching kids syntax. Basically, he rewrites the same sentence with slightly different structures several times. I think it is fabulous for reading aloud and teaching kids to read. I just think the actual theme and plot are romanticized and not something I want to read to my kids. True story: The first time I read the book to my daughter I read that the "grading" machine was a "grinding" machine. Wouldn't have made any difference the book is so death-centered. After getting the book from the library and being caught by surprise by its inappropriateness, I have realized I should preview anything I read to my kids now.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Take this for what it is.,
By
This review is from: Arlene Sardine (Hardcover)
Arlene could be commentary, but why make it so complicated? This is a great book with brilliant artwork that young children love because things are made very obvious. I reconciles the fact that all the kids' books and cartoons personify small creatures and animals with the fact that we eat those smelly little things. It's a hilarious gift for most adults, unless of course they are the overly-sensitive mom-type. I personally enjoy reading this to children and friends alike.
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