Memoirs of a Goldfish [Hardcover]

Devin Scillian (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: April 1, 2010 | Age Range: 4 and up

Day One
I swam around my bowl.

Day Two
I swam around my bowl. Twice.

And so it goes in this tell-all tale from a goldfish.

With his bowl to himself and his simple routine, Goldfish loves his life…until one day…

When assorted intruders including a hyperactive bubbler, a grime-eating snail, a pair of amorous guppies, and a really crabby crab invade his personal space and bowl, Goldfish is put out, to say the least. He wants none of it, preferring his former peace and quiet and solitude.

But time away from his new companions gives him a chance to rethink the pros and cons of a solitary life. And discover what he’s been missing.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Devin Scillian is an award-winning author and Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist. He has written more than 10 books with Sleeping Bear Press, including the bestselling A is for America: An American Alphabet and Brewster the Rooster. Devin lives in Michigan and anchors the news for WDIV-TV in Detroit.

Early in his career Tim Bowers worked for Hallmark Cards, helping to launch the Shoebox Greetings card line. He has illustrated more than 25 children’s books, garnering such awards as the Chicago Public Library’s “Best of the Best” list. He also illustrated the widely popular First Dog. Tim lives in Granville, Ohio.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (April 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585365076
• ISBN-13: 978-1585365074
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 0.5 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Fish

More About the Author

When I wrote my first children's story in high school, I don't think I could quite see the day when I would actually become a published author. (I certainly didn't envision myself being invited to read at the White House.) But I do know that from the very first story (which was called, "The Journey to the City" by the way) I was completely taken by the joyous freedom that comes with writing for young readers (even though I was a seriously young WRITER at the time).
It took another ten years or so before I started seriously working at getting published, and another ten years after that before I actually received that magical acceptance from an editor. It was like crossing a far away finish line. And I think that just after "Fibblestax" was published, I thought that I could check that box (the "published author" box) and move on to something else. I don't know that I could see another dozen or so books pouring from me. I mean, I had a "regular" job as anchor of the news at the NBC affiliate in Detroit; it was often more than a fulltime gig. But in children's books, I quickly found a calling.
Shortly after "Fibblestax" was published, my editor called me and told me to think about a book called "A is for America." She didn't say to write it; she just said to think about it.
I couldn't think of anything else.
Having grown up in a military family all over the country and all over the world, and having watched my father head off for three tours of duty in Vietnam, I had a lot of thoughts about America. And in just a few days, I had completed the book. It was odd --- ten years to get "Fibblestax" published, less than a week to get "A is for America" on its way. But as "America" became a national bestseller and I began hearing from teachers all over the country using the book in their classrooms, I developed a new understanding of the power of a picture book. (I'll never forget the morning one of my daughters started yelling for us all to come to the television because the "Today" show had just shown my book sitting beneath the White House Christmas tree.)
Years and many books later, I love to look at the characters who've walked the road with me --- Fibblestax, Cosmo and his moon, Brewster the Rooster, Moses (who led his family to an Oklahoma homestead in "Pappy's Handkerchief") and the others. They've become a part of our family. And I can't wait to meet those who line the road ahead.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Picture Book Worth Reading! June 17, 2010

By Wiley Blevins

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Today most picture books are all about the art--devoid of any memorable or moving story. "Memoir of a Goldfish" is that rare find that combines incredible art with a humorous and heartwarming tale. The expression of the goldfish's eyes speak volumes, yet the text holds it own--the kind of story readers will remember, revisit, and share. I loved this book so much I immediately shared it with someone standing near me in the bookstore. Kinda creepy, I know . . . but I couldn't help it. I hope more picture book authors learn the art of storytelling like this author. Young readers deserve more books like this. What a fun read!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars To heck with the lessons -- this is good fun! June 15, 2010

By Jennifer Donovan

Format:Hardcover

This is a lovely, bright, and whimsical picture book. Since my favorite genre at the moment is memoir, I loved the play on that genre -- a picture book that is set up as a goldfish's diary.

"Day One: I swam around my bowl.

Day Two: I swam around my bowl. Twice."

That's how the goldfish's diary begins, but it doesn't stay boring for long. Soon his bowl is overcrowded with stuff and other creatures, and he has to stake his claim on "his tank."

My 6-year-old son doesn't generally get stuck on a particular book, but we read this book twice. Then he kept it beside his bed and was reading it in the mornings himself. Then his dad read it to him.

We all give it two thumbs up. It's cute and clever and fun. According to the jacket flap, "Time away from his new companions gives him a chance to rethink the pros and cons of a solitary life. And discover what he's been missing."

Yes, there is a little bit of a moral there, but it's not shoved down the reader's throat. And does it need to be? No, it stands alone as a sometimes sweet and sometimes silly tale.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story of a Goldfish June 10, 2010

By L. Shisler

Format:Hardcover

Memoirs of a Goldfish is a beautiful story written about a goldfish who learns the simple lesson in life, it is better to be surrounded by the love of your friends and family then to swim through life on your own. It is beautifully written for a child to enjoy (my 3 year old loves Mr. Bubbles) along with teaching a wonderful life lesson. The illustration of the story is just great!!