Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows.
Buy new:
-37% $12.60
FREE delivery Tuesday, July 29 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$12.60 with 37 percent savings
List Price: $19.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, July 29 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, July 25. Order within 8 hrs 18 mins.
In Stock
$$12.60 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.60
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$8.04
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Ships directly from Amazon - Good and clean conditions used book. Pages and cover are intact. Limited notes marks and highlighting may be present. May show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges. Item may be missing CDs or access codes. May include library marks. Ships directly from Amazon - Good and clean conditions used book. Pages and cover are intact. Limited notes marks and highlighting may be present. May show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges. Item may be missing CDs or access codes. May include library marks. See less
FREE delivery Tuesday, July 29 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Saturday, July 26. Order within 8 hrs 18 mins.
In Stock
$$12.60 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.60
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Marcus Pfister
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Rainbow Fish Hardcover – January 27, 1999

by Marcus Pfister (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars 12,257 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$12.60","priceAmount":12.60,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"60","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"tjNjPa5OZunIipT%2BSMN8Pr3w4hdVZWXL6OAmSu3C7Eosba3QjpgXqTb%2BeBQDGp0lNh2CTbnBDR9O68rBe9Pkl2cy8U6s3W417Hp6OQ4kG41RT72vvrUaWQxk3kHdgYcGmHhfDOIrY7Y%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.04","priceAmount":8.04,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"04","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"tjNjPa5OZunIipT%2BSMN8Pr3w4hdVZWXLHVBVnLy4t%2FQs22tTtQXMTbNpEBo6faiXaDNLyV%2BbH46STVdjgcVfyX73UrGuUQTJFK0GRrUzEwGeWq6ffV3Y2iU1DNChLWe0rc29faMFYn6RTU1JCkLCFj8K7jnLzpHBvUTDcwLQCitxAfAOHFN%2FT%2FoqBU27Hijq","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The first book in the New York Times bestselling Rainbow Fish series.

The rainbow fish with its iridescent scales is the most beautiful fish in the whole ocean. But since he is also vain and proud, he becomes more and more lonely over time. Then he realizes that you can’t win friends through beauty. He overcomes his pride and begins to distribute his glitter scales to the other fish.

Eye-catching foil stamping, glittering on every page, offers instant child appeal, but it is the universal message at the heart of this simple story about a beautiful fish who learns to make friends by sharing his most prized possessions that gives the book its lasting value.

A CHRISTOPHER AWARD WINNER

WINNER OF THE BOLOGNA BOOK FAIR CRITICI IN ERBA PRIZE

AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ABBY AWARD WINNER

AN IRA-CBC CHILDREN'S CHOICE

#1 PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    1 - 5 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Lexile measure
    AD610L
  5. Dimensions
    8.7 x 0.4 x 11.3 inches
  6. Publisher
    North-South Books
  7. Publication date
    January 27, 1999
  8. ISBN-10
    1558580093
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1558580091
Next slide of product details
Teachers%27%20picks%20%7C%20Explore%20children%27s%20books%20by%20grade

Frequently bought together

The Rainbow Fish
This item: The Rainbow Fish
$12.60
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 29
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Where the Wild Things Are: A Caldecott Medal Award Winner―A Beloved Classic of Childhood Wonder, Mischief, and the Heartfelt
$8.26
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 29
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
$5.17
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jul 30
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

Rainbow Fish with text "The New York Times Bestselling series"

rainbow fish and octopus

rainbow fish and friends

rainbow fish and little blue fish

The Rainbow Fish
Merry Christmas, Rainbow Fish
Good Night, Little Rainbow Fish
The Rainbow Fish Colors
The Rainbow Fish Bath Book
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 7,308
4.5 out of 5 stars 51
4.8 out of 5 stars 729
4.6 out of 5 stars 601
4.7 out of 5 stars 2,146
Price $5.16 $8.39 $10.47 $6.99 $8.95
Discover the world of the Rainbow Fish! Book 1 for ages 0-3 A Christmas book for ages 0-3 A bedtime story with Rainbow Fish Learn colors with the sparkling Rainbow Fish A waterproof bath book for tub time, beach time, anytime!
"Don't miss any of rainbow fish's sparkling stories!"

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you read this very popular book just before bed, and the light is still on in the hallway, you can make the rainbow scales glitter on the page, and realize why the Rainbow Fish was so proud of his beautiful decoration. Sometimes, though, being too proud of outside beauty can blind a fish, or a child (or even, heaven forbid, a parent) to the beauty people hold inside. That's the lesson of this simple tale, imported from Switzerland. It's a useful one for future sneaker and designer clothing shoppers, for rainbow fish--and for quieter, plainer minnows, too.

From Publishers Weekly

Despite some jazzy special effects achieved with shimmery holographs, this cautionary tale about selfishness and vanity has trouble staying afloat. Rainbow Fish, "the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean," refuses to share his prized iridescent scales--which, indeed, flash and sparkle like prisms as each page is turned. When his greed leaves him without friends or admirers, the lonely fish seeks advice from the wise octopus, who counsels him to give away his beauty and "discover how to be happy." The translation from the original German text doesn't enhance the story's predictable plot, and lapses into somewhat vague descriptions: after sharing a single scale, "a rather peculiar feeling came over Rainbow Fish." Deep purples, blues and greens bleed together in Pfister's liquid watercolors; unfortunately, the watery effect is abruptly interrupted by a few stark white, text-only pages. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ North-South Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 1999
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Later Printing
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1558580093
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1558580091
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 1 - 5 years, from customers
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.7 x 0.4 x 11.3 inches
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD610L
  • Best Sellers Rank: #935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 12,257 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Marcus Pfister

Marcus Pfister

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Marcus Pfister has written and illustrated many books for North-South, including the popular Penguin Pete and Hopper series. His books The Rainbow Fish, Rainbow Fish to the Rescue!, and Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale have become international best-sellers.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
12,257 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers praise the book's beautiful illustrations and colorful pages, with one noting its crisp covers. Moreover, the story effectively conveys a lesson about sharing and friendship, and customers appreciate its meaningful message about empathy and giving. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its readability and value for money, with customers finding it worth the price. Customers also value it as a gift, particularly for baby showers.

Select to learn more

Visual qualityStory qualityTeaches sharingColor schemeMessage qualityValue for moneyReadabilityGift value
171 customers mention "Visual quality"171 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's beautiful illustrations and colorful pages, with one customer noting its crisp covers.

"Beautiful book with a very meaningful message for children: the more you give, the more you get - you are blessed, therefore, go out and bless..." Read more

"...This is a wonderful, beautiful book that will delight your child with its eye-catching illustrations and help them learn the English language, you..." Read more

"...Had to put the book in the trash. Beautiful illustrations but terrible message. Please do not read this to your children!" Read more

"...be forgotten about but it has such a good message and is beautifully illustrated." Read more

106 customers mention "Story quality"97 positive9 negative

Customers love the story of the Rainbow Fish, describing it as a timeless tale with lovely illustrations and a great lesson.

"Beautiful, shiny new book! Crisp, clean pages. Great story!" Read more

"...It's a wonderful story." Read more

"Such a great story and the colors are great" Read more

"Love this story and the book came in great condition. Would certainly use seller again." Read more

84 customers mention "Teaches sharing"80 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate how the book teaches children about sharing and friendship, with one customer noting its effectiveness after a visit to the aquarium.

"Wonderful book for teaching friendship and sharing." Read more

"...It was my favorite as a kid, and now my son loves it too! Its about sharing and being nice and I think most kids get that...." Read more

"Timeless classic! Great moral and beautifully illustrated." Read more

"Great story about sharing" Read more

74 customers mention "Color scheme"74 positive0 negative

Customers love the book's color scheme, particularly the sparkling scales and shimmering gills on the rainbow fish, with one customer noting the creative emphasis on glittering elements.

"Very colorful. Story is nice for toddler plus" Read more

"...It was just as colorful and beautiful as I remember when I was a kid." Read more

"A colorful book that teaches to share with other people if you look at it that way. The kids love it...." Read more

"This book is an excellent book for children about sharing. It is a very colorful and interesting way to either teach or reinforce this concept...." Read more

41 customers mention "Message quality"33 positive8 negative

Customers praise the book's meaningful message for children, with one customer specifically noting how it teaches the importance of empathy and sharing.

"...because it can sometimes be forgotten about but it has such a good message and is beautifully illustrated." Read more

"We read this one often. Great message, great pictures, good read." Read more

"Beautiful book with a very meaningful message for children: the more you give, the more you get - you are blessed, therefore, go out and bless..." Read more

"...I love it so much! I can't wait to read it to my babies. Beautiful message and beautiful artwork. LOVE LOVE LOVE" Read more

34 customers mention "Value for money"31 positive3 negative

Customers find the book worth its price.

"Very good book and a good price" Read more

"...Great price for a nice sturdy hardcover" Read more

"Good buy..." Read more

"Good purchase..." Read more

24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and well written, with crisp pages that make it suitable for children.

"...The colors are beautiful and crisp and I am really excited to share this with my children. It's a wonderful story." Read more

"Promotes values of sharing and discourages selfishness. Easy to read and beautiful to see. A must for all!" Read more

"Beautiful, shiny new book! Crisp, clean pages. Great story!" Read more

"It arrived on time & pages are super crisp throughout. Love me a new book. A childhood favorite I gifted my cousin for her baby shower...." Read more

23 customers mention "Gift value"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great baby shower gift.

"...Great baby shower gift!" Read more

"Great gift!..." Read more

"The book arrived on time in excellent condition. It is a gift for my granddaughter and I am sure she will love it...." Read more

"It was a gift and this book never disappoints! Thanks." Read more

Best children’s book!!
5 out of 5 stars
Best children’s book!!
One of the best children’s books! I love the story (always have) and the illustrations are so colorful! The hardcover book is a wonderful purchase! I have bought this book for every baby close to me (relationship wise) as well as for my personal collection of classroom books.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Gussie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If anyone doesn't know about "The Rainbow Fish" by now, it is a total artistic delight as well as a very sweet story. One to share with younger and older children.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Maureen A Kozak
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book. Cute lesson, to share!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Cute book for our grandson!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Harry Littell
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful children story about generosity and selflessness
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I was putting together the children books I still have and found this one, which to me is especially/particularly memorable was missing. So this is a replacement copy. Will I take it with me to my grave? No, but the memories and message of the story will persist!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Olivia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best children’s book!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best children’s books! I love the story (always have) and the illustrations are so colorful! The hardcover book is a wonderful purchase! I have bought this book for every baby close to me (relationship wise) as well as for my personal collection of classroom books.
    Customer image
    Olivia
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Best children’s book!!

    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2025
    One of the best children’s books! I love the story (always have) and the illustrations are so colorful! The hardcover book is a wonderful purchase! I have bought this book for every baby close to me (relationship wise) as well as for my personal collection of classroom books.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • MrDisney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Beautiful, shiny new book! Crisp, clean pages. Great story!
    Helpful
     Report
  • birdlover442000
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The book was in brand new condition and is an excellent gift for small kids.
    Helpful
     Report
  • E Wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story for my granddaughter
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Sweet story, although it didn't start out sweet. My granddaughter listened to it and I have the plastic book for her bath time.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Elyse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The book arrived on time in excellent condition. It is a gift for my granddaughter and I am sure she will love it. Thank you for a most positive purchasing experience.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Colégio Notre Dame
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Rainbow Fish
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Gostaria de solicitar a alteração do CPF na Nota Fiscal 058.528.526 pelo CNPJ em nome do colégio Notre Dame:
    60.993.193/0011-22

    15.436.940/0003-67
    Report
  • metty
    5.0 out of 5 stars mind blowing
    Reviewed in India on February 2, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    the presentation of the book is beyond words. definitely children would love it, highly recommended.
    Report
  • Mara Ortega
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy recomendable
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Este libro se lo leía a mis hijos hace 25 años y ahora a mi nieto. Muy recomendable
    Report
  • D J Murchie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rainbow fish
    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a great gift for little ones
    Report
  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reccomend
    Reviewed in Belgium on March 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    👍
    Report