Customer Reviews

Venus Among the Fishes

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This tale of a dolphin adventure is beautifully done. The details are solidly based in fact, and presented without excessive scientific jargon. It gives the point-of-view of a dolphin with just enough anthropomorhising to allow the reader to identify with the animal. It also presents the plight of our sea mammals without being overly maudlin. A delicate touch.

I bought this book for my 8-year-old daughter, but both of us enjoyed it hugely.

This book is really interesting. It shows how other animals might think when they are in a situation. This is well written. I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 days. I recomend this to anyone who likes interesting books.

I am a 3rd grader and I liked the book, Venus among the Fishes, very much because itis dramatic and action-filled. I liked the way the author described the world as a dolphin would see it. After reading this book, I am very interested in dolphins and want to read more about them.

As a second grade teacher I am always looking for books to read to my class that can help them relate to the subject I am currently teaching. When looking for a book to read during our ocean unit I came across Venus Among the Fishes. My kids love it. When I stop reading for the day they beg me to continue. I warn the kids that several parts are sad and often I find my kids crying along with me. I have recommended this book to several co-workers and they have all thanked me.

I've owned this book forever, and I always enjoy returning to it once every year or so. Its a quick read, but absolutely delightful and anyone who likes animals will enjoy reading it.

Coral and her brother Snapper have set off to look for their brother Silver. Killer whales have been attacking their dolphin pod and they need his help to save everyone. But their travels aren't easy, dangers lurk around every corner and when Coral is captured by humans, she worries for her brother's safety. But miraculously she ends up at a dolphin enclosure where her other brother Silver lives. She begins to forget the pod as she performs tricks for humans and learns to please them. But something never settles right for Coral and she isn't sure what type of life she'd like to lead; that of a free dolphin, or one protected by the humans.

For dolphins these characters were believable. As no human has been a dolphin its hard to say what they could really be thinking, but in my opinion, this book captured what they could be like. Coral was a great protagonist and like a human, went through many different thought processes. I also liked all the minor characters and thought they added to the story as well. My least favorite would probably be the Killer Whales; while they were an integral part of the story I don't think we learned enough about them to make a huge difference in the book.

I wouldn't say that this book had a set plot. Rather the plot and goals seemed to change and it was more like real life; only lived by a dolphin. This is a children's book but you should be warned that there's some disturbing scenes in it. One, the murder of a whale by whalers is somewhat descriptive and could effect some people negatively. And its not the only death mentioned in the book. The other writing is fairly easy to read and the speech the dolphins use was intriguing. I think it made it that much more effective in the writing because they weren't talking like people so you didn't forget who they were.

Overall a great kids book (or guilty pleasure for an adult) and one that I come back to again and again. I highly recommend taking a look at this one.

Venus Among the Fishes
Copyright 1995
143 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2011

This book is very good, I have recomended Child of the Wolves (also by Elizabeth Hall) to my friend and she found out this other book in the libaray. She read it in a concert, (nauty nauty) but it was truely very good. It's the way Elizabeth Hall makes you think you are a part of the book or how she can express an animal's feelings.

GOOD, NO GREAT BOOK!

As a young child, I fell in love with the vivid images in this book, the bright colors of the undersea world between the pages. For children, 'Venus' offers a look at another world, with different values, morals, and priorities. Now, years later, I still have it, and still enjoy going back and reading it. I highly suggest this, especially for children who show even a slight interest in dolphins, or the ocean in general.

Although parts of the story seem unbelievable, Venus Among the Fishes provides the reader with the opportunity to think about animal rights issues and to question how much animals really know and can communicate about. A definite read for people wanting to try something a little different!

****
THE BEST BOOK REVIEW

Killer whales trap a herd of dolphins. They send two young dolphins to get help. They get trapped at a Sea World place and meet some friends.
I liked this book because it is exciting and you dont know what will happen next. The characters were fun, protective, and brave. I liked all them. The setting was great. It was in an ocean where colorful reefs and fish live. It was easy to read and it was good. My rating for this book is four stars.

This book i found at a local book store and read it. It is my favorite book i have every read. It is so well written and a good plot. The resion I am on amazon.com and on this books page is to buy it hardcover and add it to me favorite book library. If you are thinking about buying this book buy it.