Not Norman: A Goldfish Story [Paperback]

Kelly Bennett (Author), Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 2008 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"A sweet story that could be used as a springboard to discussion of the pitfalls of making snap judgments about pets — or people." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Norman the goldfish isn’t what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet — one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don’t go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought? With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected — and positively fishy — tale about finding the good in something you didn’t know
you wanted.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–A little boy is sorely disappointed when he receives a goldfish for his birthday. "I wanted a pet who could run and catch. Or one who could climb trees and chase strings. A soft, furry pet to sleep on my bed at night. Not Norman." However, as Norman performs acrobatics and makes the child laugh, listens attentively during his show-and-tell presentation when the rest of the class does not, sings along during band practice, and comforts him when he is awakened by a scary noise at night, the boy comes to love and appreciate the pet he at first disdained. The story is told in simple, straightforward language, and the clear lines and vibrant colors of the digital graphics are reminiscent of Taro Gomi's work. This is a sweet story that could be used as a springboard to discussion of the pitfalls of making snap judgments about pets–or people.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 3. The African American boy who narrates this boy-meets-fish story wants a pet for his birthday, but not a goldfish. Too bad. Though he suspects that Norman is the lamest, tamest pet around, he takes his fish to school to "talk him up real good during Show-and-Tell" in hopes that someone else will want him. But after cleaning Norman's bowl, rescuing him from puppies, and noticing that Norman listens to him talk and even quiets his fear of night noises, he realizes that there is no pet he would rather have. Repeated several times during the story, the title phrase "Not Norman" takes on a new shade of meaning in the verbally clever turnaround that concludes this amusing picture book. Distilled to essential shapes and flat colors, the lively digital artwork expresses both action and emotion with flair. This eye-catching book makes a satisfying read-aloud choice for pet day or any day. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --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: Candlewick (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763627631
• ISBN-13: 978-0763627638
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 0.1 x 10.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Fish > Fiction
  • #59 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Fish

More About the Author

Kelly Bennett writes books for children--both fiction and non-fiction. Her work also has appeared in national magazines and newspapers.

"I write what I know about--friendship, pets, family life," says Kelly, "But I also write about things I want to know about. While I'm writing, every story is a mystery--a mystery waiting to be solved. And who doesn't love a good mystery?"

Sometimes, the real mystery is what name will Kelly use on this book? Some of the names Kelly has written under are Kelly Goldman, Kelly Goldman Bennett, Patty McAndrews, Kate Donelly, and Jill Max, the pseudonym used for work co-written with Ronnie Davidson. (For more about "Jill Max" go to www.jillmax.com.)

A native of California, Kelly graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 1976. Upon receiving an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Fullerton College, she continued her education at the University of California at Fullerton and California State University at San Jose. Kelly is a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adult Program.

As a child, Kelly wrote her feelings rather than speak them aloud--a practice which led to the writing life she enjoys today. Her greatest inspiration springs from adventures with her children, Max and Alexis, and her husband, Curtis. Kelly divides her time between her home in Jakarta, Indonesia and Houston, Texas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and funny, glug, glug, fish..., June 1, 2005

By 

E. S. Will "a new leaf" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not Norman: A Goldfish Story (Hardcover)

Goldfish are not exactly exciting, and the boy in this story had dreamt of a different pet: "One who could run and catch. Or one who could climb trees and chase strings."

But alas, he's received Norman, "a sorry-looking fish in a gunky bowl." If he takes Norman to show-and-tell, will someone want to swap with him? No ... but soon Norman's quiet, reassuring presence is making the boy's heart flip. He decides he wouldn't trade Norman for "any pet in the whole world."

The phrase "Not Norman," bookmarks the story, and in a clever twist it means one thing at the beginning and just the opposite at the end.

In his first children's book, Jones' expressive illustrations of boy and fish accentuate the story's silly side. He depicts Norman blowing bubbles, smiling at the boy, boogeying to his tuba playing. The cover illustration plays with shapes-the boy's head mirrors the fishbowl's dimensions. As the boy peers through the bowl, we can see his eyes-and a floating Norman takes the place of his mouth and nose.

The author is quoted on the leaf: "Fish are fun and funny. Just watching them makes me laugh." She and Jones have succeeded, glug, glug, in communicating fondness for the humble goldfish.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable!, April 9, 2005

By 

cleopatra "butch" (saudi arabia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not Norman: A Goldfish Story (Hardcover)

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story is a lovely story about a little boy who really wants a more interactive pet. Instead, he gets a pet that is always there for him, is always attentive and is always awake!!!! Unconditional love! This is a fun read for kids and it has clear concise pictures for children to enjoy!!! Great book!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Norman is awesome!, March 22, 2008

By 

Jessica Jolie (Sunny California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not Norman: A Goldfish Story (Paperback)

Be forewarned...your kids may want a goldfish. But that's far easier to do than the MANY books out there that have kids begging for dogs. :)

This book is just so cute. The story itself as well as the delightful illustrations. My kids just giggled and giggled while I was reading. They even laughed harder at Norman's version of events. As an amazing bonus, the author, Kelly Bennet, wrote a version of the story from Norman's point of view.

It is simply adorable and after hearing Norman so many times the kids just rolled on the floor howling at Norman's story. Read it and you'll even find out the unnamed boy in the story is called Curtis. There you'll also find activities and teacher guides for Not Norman. Great resource we came by unexpectantly while researching this author (to see if she had any more great books!)

Best thing about this book is the message that you just might find something good in the place least expected. I hope you enjoy Not Norman as much as my kiddies!