The Fish Who Could Wish [Paperback]

John Bush (Author), Korky Paul (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

In the deep blue sea,
In the deep of the blue,
Swam a fish who could wish,
And each wish would come true.

He wished for a castle,
He wished for a car,
But one day he wished
Just a little too far...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Underneath a vibrant blue sea (reminiscent of The Little Mermaid 's setting) lives a fish who can wish. Better yet, all of his wishes come true. Among the things that he wants--and gets--are a castle, a flashy sports car, a Spanish guitar and fancy suits. When he wishes that he could ski, it snows for a week, and a snowman wearing a diving mask casts with a fishing pole as the happy hero skis off an underwater ski jump. But one day, the fish inadvertently makes his last wish, when he decides that he wants to be just like all of the other fish in the sea. "But wishing was something / Other fish could not do. / So that was his very last / wish that came true." Although the tale's outcome--and message--may be a bit over the heads of the youngest readers, they will certainly appreciate Bush's bouncy rhymed text and Paul's droll depiction of the fish's wishful life. These surprisingly expressive denizens of the deep possess real pizzazz. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- "In the deep blue sea, in the deep of the blue, swam a fish who could wish, and each wish would come true." So begins the fanciful story of this remarkable creature and his unusual talent. Each wish, whether it be for a castle, a car, a horse, or fine suits, is swiftly granted. But in the end, this foolish fish wishes to be like every other fish. And since every other fish cannot wish--that fate becomes his as well. Told in lilting rhyme, this captivating story simply begs to be shared aloud. The ideal complement to Bush's deceptively simple text is Paul's large cartoon illustrations. Executed in watercolors, they capture the light fresh tone of the verse. The colors are appropriately aquatic blues and greens with occasional splashes of yellow and orange. The text and illustrations are well integrated, and the format is large enough to be shared aloud in small group storytimes. While it will take an older picture book audience to understand the irony of the fish's final wish, young children will be fascinated with the theme and the humorous illustrations. --Denise Anton Wright, Library Book Selection Service, Inc., Bloomington, IL
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub; 1 Amer ed edition (March 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916291480
• ISBN-13: 978-0916291488
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #389,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Humorous, Touching Story, May 13, 2002

By 

Shannon Craven "bottlegenie" (Upstate, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Fish Who Could Wish (Hardcover)

This is a lovely, delightful little story with gorgeous illustrations. The moral is one to be discussed with your child - that if you were like "everyone else" you would lose what makes you special. A must read for every child!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun to share!, January 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Fish Who Could Wish (Paperback)

This is a great story to share and read aloud. The rhyme scheme flows easily, and the illustrations are just as silly as the text. The kids in my storyhour have loved it as well as the adults. Boy, that is one foolish fish!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fishy Fun, December 17, 2009

By 

Val S "Val" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fish Who Could Wish (Paperback)

This book was sent by our cousins in the UK, who always send wonderful books, along with "The Dog Who Could Dig." The whole family loves them both!