on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
My story starts the day that my parents told me we must leave our adopted home forever. Because of the soldiers and the drought we barely had enough to eat and we could no longer stay to help the people in our village.
Right before we were leaving I saw a fish in a small brown puddle and I knew I had to take it with me. The journey would be hard to get across the mountains--to the safety of the border and the people there who could help" us." Yet when I put the fish in the pot I never realized what we would have to face. It never occurred to me to leave Fish behind.
"
A subtle and sophisticated exploration of life, the strength of humanity, and survival in an unforgiving world, "Fish" is a story that will teach those who doubt that, when hope is almost extinguished, miracles can happen. "From the Hardcover edition.
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to live underwater like the fish in the book?
Which fish was your favorite and why?
How do fish breathe and move differently from us?
What can we do to help keep the oceans clean for the fish?
If you were a fish, what kind would you be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the colors and shapes of the fish, fostering their observation skills.
Ask your child to imagine their own fish character. Discuss what its daily life would be like.
Use the book’s illustrations to discuss the different environments fish live in, emphasizing biodiversity.
Connect the story to real-life experiences, such as a visit to an aquarium or a time they saw fish while swimming.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing their favorite fish from the book, to reinforce memory and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Ecosystems
Explanation: Fish by Lisa J. Amstutz introduces young readers to different types of fish and their habitats, illustrating the complexity and beauty of aquatic ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by being more aware of environmental issues affecting aquatic life and participating in activities like beach clean-ups or water conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Diversity in Nature
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of fish species, each with unique features and roles within their habitats, teaching children about biodiversity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and celebrate differences, understanding that each creature has its own importance in the world, analogous to the diverse roles people play in society.
Example Lesson: Life Cycles
Explanation: Fish explains the different stages in a fish’s life, from egg to adult, helping children grasp the concept of growth and development in nature.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their own growth processes and that of other living things, fostering a deeper respect for life at all stages.
Example Lesson: Importance of Conservation
Explanation: The book touches on threats to fish populations like pollution and habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: Encourages proactive behavior towards environmental conservation, such as recycling and waste management, to protect aquatic life.
Example Lesson: Scientific Observation
Explanation: By describing how different fish behave and interact with their environments, the book encourages observational skills.
Real-World Application: Children can practice these skills by observing nature in local parks, aquariums, or even at home, developing critical thinking and curiosity.