Customer Reviews

Fire Fish (Invisible Tails)

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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FIRE FISH is an elegantly illustrated tale of creatures beneath the sea, full of adventure, suspense, wit, will, and faith in higher things. It is a book created for children ages 9 - 12, but it also is an art book that will satisfy both younger and older children and adults. Writer/illustrator Davy Liu is the guide through this enchanted story and wisely summarizes the mission of the book by posing a question on the back cover: 'What if our world is just a mere reflection of the invisible reality?' There are meanings beyond the apparent tale of little fish searching for the mystery of the Fire Fish, becoming lost in the vastness of the ocean only to be befriended by all manner of fellow aquarians, encountering evil in the form of the sharks and whales and holding onto a simple faith in the Finmaker who guides the story to a happy ending.

The story is solid, the lessons are well defined, and the personalities of the various cast members of this tale are sensitively drawn. But the overwhelming aspect of this excellent book is the beauty of Davy Liu's art. His liquid medium of life within the water is at once realistic and impressionistic. After the first reading of the story, the reader will return to the pages to find 'secrets' within the shadows of the water, symbols that emerge to make the story one of a universal nature. This is fine addition to the library of excellent children's books and one that would seem in line for the Caldecott and Newbery Medal awards - among others. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, July 08

The story is one with a religious theme, although the characters are the various creatures that inhabit oceans. The illustrations are superb and seemed right out of a Disney movie. Therefore, I was not surprised when I read the note about the author and discovered that he has worked on several animated Disney films.
The main characters are three tiny fish (Sarai, RaaOn and Sesom) who wish to enter "The Bright Beyond." Their journey is fraught with danger, there are many large predators to fear and they have no foreknowledge of what they will face. There is also the legend of the Fire Fish, the masters of "The Bright Beyond."
When they are attacked by Great White Sharks, Sesom puts his fins together and calls out "Oh, F-Finmaker, you helped us in the past, please put f-friendly fish on one side and enemy fish on the other!" With a great roar, the Big Blue parted and they were saved from certain death. When all the good creatures were safe, they bowed their heads and offered thanks to Finmaker and even asked to have food delivered to the Great White Sharks.
As a story, this one will appeal to parents who want their children to be exposed to religious themes. However, the quality of the images will make it attractive to all children; they will spend a great deal of time absorbing all of the aspects of the pictures.

Younger readers should enjoy Davy Liu's "The Fire Fish," a Christian picture book for today's media-savvy kid. Author/artist Liu is a graduate of Disney and Lucasfilm, and it appears Darth Vader and the Mouse taught him well. This book has a straightforward story pitched at a good level for kids who have just started reading on their own. Its mixed-media illustrations are lush and lavish, creating a captivating visual world that kids and adults will both enjoy. And the religious message, about prayer and evangelism, will suit parents eager for an antidote to the selfish themes kids absorb in our harsh world.

This is the second of Liu's Invisible Tails books, about animals who happen to be present at important Biblical events. The story centers on three orphaned baby river perch who make a pilgrimage to the Red Sea in search of their parents (never mind the marine biology, it's a good story). But the fishes' story repeatedly overlaps the story of Moses and the Exodus, including baby Moses in his basket of rushes and the parting of the waters. Along the way, the young fish learn first to pray in a selfless way, and then how to tell others about the power of prayer.

The perches' progress is not without its problems. Hungry eels, fishing nets, and ravenous sharks appear with enough force to remind canny readers of the numerous symbols in the parables of Jesus. Because of the thematic sophistication of the story, this is the kind of book that is likely to grow with kids, reaching their reading needs at several different ages.

Reading the book, I was reminded of the Bible-based Little Golden Books I used to read to my sister when we were small. In the same way, this book could easily coach young people in reading skill while instructing them in Christian virtue. And unlike the Little Golden Books' simple watercolor illustrations, which might seem kind of homely to kids raised up on CGI and IMAX, Liu's exceptionally vivid artwork will engage young people at a level they're accustomed to. I particularly commend the rich two-page seascape showing the gorgeous variations of sea life when the baby fish burst into the Red Sea, which they call the Big Blue.

Davy Liu promises to be one of the rising new names in children's writing, and "Fire Fish" is the kind of book your kids will pass on to their own children. And thanks to the fun story and dazzling art, Mom and Dad won't want to be shy about reading over their kids' shoulders. This is a book that will be treasured in any Christian household.

The FIRE FISH is the mythical tale of a bright golden fish that swims through the water leaving miracles in the waves. Sarai, a small snapper, watches the Fin Race every morning in awe. Sarai marvels at the beauty of catching "lovely food". As the family discusses the swimming, life and the blue beyond tragedy happens and their parents are caught up in a net. The children - Sarai, RaaOn and Sesom - embark on a journey that will test their faith, put their prayers into practice and strengthen their bond to one another.

FIRE FISH is wonderfully illustrated. The colors, details and creative expressions of the sea life are extraordinary. The story line is well crafted and will open discussions about faith, God, family, and weathering life's storms by both children and adults. This hard back book will be study enough for toddlers yet the story will provide years of reading. The lessons discussed in this book should be shared with every family.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

When three small perch siblings - Sarai, Sesom, and RaaOn - are separated from their parents, they face danger at every turn. They safely reach the Turtle Pool only to face a tricky eel in a dark tunnel and, later, a pack of Great Whites at the Big Blue.

It's only by putting their trust in the Finmaker and calling on his help that they are rescued in the end by the actions of the Fire Fish.

Although children with a Christian background will easily recognize the parable of the story - the Finmaker as God, the Fire Fish as angels, and the deliverance in the Big Blue as the parting of the Red Sea - it's not necessary to enjoy this wonderful story.

And the story is wonderful - but it's not the best part. Davy Liu's full-color illustrations are amazing. Spectacular color, intriguing details, and wondrous visuals make FIRE FISH come to life and only add strength to the message of the story.

This is the perfect book for a bedtime story, for a lesson on putting your faith in God's hands, or just as a reassurance to any young child that someone is always there, watching over them to keep them safe.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

"Fire Fish" is a tale (pardon the pun) about creatures that live under the sea. The star fish (I know, I know, another pun) are Sarai, RaaOn (no, that's not a typo) and Sesom. They get separated from their parents and encounter many adventures and perils in their quest to reunite their family. When their parents get caught in a net, the little fish are told to "go to the Old Turtle and ask for help. We will try to meet up with you there." They make it to Old Turtle and thank the "Finmaker" for delivering them safely. The Old Turtle tells them to "call on the Finmaker." It's their only way they're going to get back with their parents. The little fish pray to the Finmaker and they are filled with a sense of peace and calm because they believe things will work out all right. However, their prayers are not answered right away, and after several days of waiting patiently, one of the fish, Sesom, gets restless. Instead of staying in the pool with the turtle, Sesom goes off to explore a dark tunnel. The other fish follow him and they encounter an eel that wants to eat them. They escape from the eel, only to find themselves lost and in more danger. However, no matter what the peril, they keep their faith and trust in the Finmaker to guide them - which he does in the end.

However, this isn't a simple tale about three fish that get separated from their parents. It is loaded with almost hidden references to the Biblical story of Moses and the exodus from Egypt. Children won't understand the symbolism; I must confess, I had a hard time figuring a lot of it out myself. But, children will love the rich, lustrous artwork throughout the book (it was my favorite part!). All in all, this is a good story with fantastic artwork. 4 stars.

Fire Fish: Fins Refined by Fire is a lovely, slim volume intended for the upper primary-middle grade reader. The narrative begins with Sarai, who never missed the Fin Race. As soon as light sparkled on the current the little perch swam up where she found a good place to watch the race. The biggest and smartest fish all joined in the Fin Race where each day a few won by catching the food that appeared at sunrise. They disappeared into the Bright Beyond. How she hoped to become a fire fish in the Bright Beyond.

Sesom, Sarai's shy little brother wished he could race for lovely food. He was hungry. Momma pointed out that the Finmaker had made them not fast but steady swimmers. Pappa soon appeared bringing a strand of seaweed for breakfast. The sea weed was almost gone when Momma spotted a croc. Unaware of the net above until it caught Momma and Pappa the perch all swam away from the croc. As he disappeared Pappa called to the three little perch telling them to swim to the Turtle Pool to ask for help.

The story continues with the little perch on their quest to learn what to do to reunite with their parents. The meet a kindly turtle, a hungry eel, helpful porpoise, a frightened sea horse and baby octopus, and a killer whale and a wall of great whites.

Writer/Illustrator Davy Liu has created a stunning, elegant volume sure to please young listeners and young readers. In this tale of a family of perch who are parted for a time when a fishing net catches Momma and Pappa Perch we follow the young perch on their quest to locate their parents. After awhile, the three explore a tunnel and this begins their journey of hope, faith, and trust as they dodge danger and search for their parents. FIRE FISH presents a well written tale of faith, hope and patience.

Illustrations are well executed, the story of the young fish is filled with breathless moments and hope and fulfillment.

Liu's Invisible Tails books are centered upon animals who happen to be present during important Biblical events. FIRE FISH and the three anxious juvenile river perch make a trek to the Red Sea in search of their parents while their story overlaps with the Biblical story of Moses and the Exodus. The little fish learn to pray in faith producing, unselfish manner, later they learn how to tell others about the power of prayer.

Illustrator Liu's outstandingly exquisite artwork is engaging for little children as well as older ones. Text used is beyond the scope of Kindergarten-Grade 1, however, my First Grade children enjoy hearing the tale and viewing the illustrations. Teaching in a public school I do not add any personal view to the pictured Biblical illustrations, but listen as the children recognize and comment upon the scenes showing the parting of the Red Sea, the crossing of the Children of Israel and the sweep of water as the Pharaoh and his soldiers are caught in the water. The Biblical overtones will cause the book to be readily received in Sunday Schools and religion based education programs. Happy to recommend.

Molly Martin
Reviewer

Liu's books of mythical fables and colorful illustrations portray animals in imaginative Biblical events. Stories are told from the animal's point-of-view. His vivid and media-savvy artwork almost defies description within each two-page spread that depicts charming, larger-than-life caricatures of sea and land animals.

In the second book of the Invisible Tail series, Fire Fish, Liu introduces the Perch fish family, Mama, Papa, and youngsters Sarai, RaaOn, and Sesom. Their adventure story begins with a Fin race at dawn.

Sarai never missed watching the Fin race, because each day's winners caught the "sweet lovely-food," that only came at sunrise. Winners who ate the food disappeared into the "Bright Beyond" and became Fire Fish, otherwise known as "mystical masters of the Bright Beyond," where all food was "lovely-food." Sarai learned even ordinary fish could become Fire Fish, but she knew it would remain a wish for her since she wasn't a fast swimmer. Only the fastest swimmers won. Papa had just arrived with their breakfast when Sarai swam back to join her family.

Sarai munched her sea-weed breakfast, fin-to-fin with her siblings, and dreamt of the legendary tale of the two-legged one hidden in the reeds along the shore--the first time Fire Fish were ever seen. Suddenly Momma Perch's piercing screams sent Sarai's family, fins flashing, to the surface for safety from the crocs. But, Momma and Poppa swam into a net, instead of into safety. The youngsters swarmed around their parents, but Momma and Poppa warned them away and told them to swim to the Turtle Pool for help. There they would learn about the "Finmaker" and "the call."

Join the Perch family in their dangerous journey, where they battle giant crocs, killer sharks, and other monstrous sea creatures. But, they also meet friends like the Great Turtle, dolphins, and baby sea horses and crabs. The Perch's tale is a story of family love and loyalty, and an exciting adventure for children and adults to enjoy.

Fire Fish's story and illustrations are both realistic and impressionistic and would make an excellent Christmas gift. Its glossy, color-filled pages overflow with lavish illustrations. The colorful, richly appointed cover in yellow, blue, green and gold, with raised copper lettering that says, "fins refined by fire," can't help but catch attention. Liu, former Disney illustrator for films like "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "Mulan," and "The Lion King," plans to create and produce an animated film of the Invisible Tail series. Check out his website. http://www.kendufilms.com/

Fire Fish is the story of three perch, Sarai, Sesom and RaaOn, unusual names that will make any reading parent's tongue stumble. The perch children share their parents simple faith that the Finmaker made them steady swimmers. When the perch parents are taken up in a net, the three little fish turn to their faith in the Finmaker, learning to call upon Him in the wake of the distressing separation from their parents. Though the fish siblings encounter dangers and trials, they put their faith in the Finmaker, trusting in Him and His response to their calls to save them from situations beyond their control.

Woven throughout the story of these simple fish are veiled references to the biblical account of the events surrounding Moses' birth and the exodus from Egypt. Some of these references are quite well hidden, creating some confusion when certain events are inserted into the story. It was only on my second time through that I understood why the mentions of "lovely food" in the morning were included.

The recommended age range for the series is 9 - 12 years of age, likely due to the subtlety with which the biblical inferences are inserted. Younger children will perceive this tale as a simple tale of a fish family's trust in their God and the rewards that faith brings. As my five year old said, "Mommy, are these fish Christian fish?" Younger readers will benefit from parental exposition as the book is read, pointing out the biblical events as the fish experience them in their own small world.

The underwater world that Sarai, Sesom and RaaOn inhabit is skillfully rendered in a wide variety of moods that match the story, from neutral greens to murky dark shades that transform into brilliant, sparkling blues. Highly stylistic design elements and presentation paired with artistic, flowing backgrounds and seascapes contrast sharply with the cartoonish, nearly comical visage of the main characters. It's quite unusual to see a fish that could be straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon appear in the midst of such splendidly illustrated pages - but there they are.

While the little perch family and their new-found friends experience a happy ending, perceptive readers will close this book with a lingering sense of awe, and of remaining questions. What exactly are the mysterious fire fish, and where exactly is the Bright Beyond? Clever readers will be able to guess, but no firm answers are written into the story. Liu's work clearly exhibits more layers than the average children's picture book and will engage readers of all ages.

REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker

The author has worked for Disney Feature Animation on such classics Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, for George Lucas at Industrial Light and Magic, and for Warner Bros. Feature Animation. Also, his illustrations have been found in Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and other publications, and he maintains a studio and gallery in Laguna Beach, CA. In addition, he is the creator of the "Invisible Tales" series, of which The Giant Leaf: Take a Giant Leaf of Faith was the first and Fire Fish is the second.

Three little perch are inspired by the legend of the Fire Fish, mystical masters of the Bright Beyond, to embark on a great journey to find their parents who were captured in a net. Escaping from an eel and then the Great White but making friends with a turtle, a dolphin, and even an orca, they call upon the Finmaker to guide and protect them as they go from one adventure to another on their way to the Big Blue where the currents are warm and the green blossoms are sweet. But will they survive? And will they ever find their parents?

Liu says, "What if our visible world is just a mere reflection of the invisible reality." This "fish tale" fable which teaches timeless truth is lavishly illustrated with colorful, full-page drawings and ends with a surprising twist. Fire Fish is a lovely book that I think middle school aged readers will find interesting and enjoyable. It encourages children to follow their dreams and always hope for the best.