Fish Had a Wish
Michael Garland, author illustrator
Holiday House, 2012, Fiction
Suitable for: Ages – 4-6 years “I Like to Read”
Themes: Fishes, Contentment, Self-Acceptance, Wishes
Opening/Synopsis: Fish had a wish. “I wish I were a bird!” said Fish. “I could fly high up in the sky.” Fish looks longingly around at the other animals — a turtle napping, a skunk making a big stink, a butterfly with pretty wings — and wishes it could be something different. Then a bug comes along and fish gulps it in one bite. Perhaps being a fish isn’t so bad.
Why I like this book: This is a great summer book so simply written that children will want to read it again and again. I like the word repetition and sounds. Garland has written and illustrated a breathtaking book that is a feast for the eyes. He has used a “digi-wood technique,” which draws from Asian and classical European wildlife art. Each double-page spread has a wood grain background and is full of rich texture. Children will have fun studying each illustration for the detail. The book will certainly captivate a child’s imagination. Check out all Michael Garland’s books on his website.
I’ve been dying to see this book ever since I had Michael on my blog and I still haven’t! Must get on the case with this!
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Susanna, this book is really captivating. You’d love the new style, since you spoke with him.
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How about the saying, “If wishes were fishes the sea would be full?”
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Mchael
I love that! Think Michael Garland will too. Stunning book. Didn’t mean to release it until tomorrow.
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I love the message that being yourself is just fine! Poor little bug though. We’ll have to get this book into our shop soon. Thanks, as always, for letting us know about gems like this one.
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Craig, glad you liked Michael Garland’s book. I like his work a lot!
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That ‘digi-wood technique is new to me and looks 3D! Like the sound of the simplicity of the text.
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Joanna, it’s a good book for kids. It’s a digital technique, that mimics woodcut. I believe he scans in wood textures and then layers them in his painting. It does give more dimension to the illustrations and they are beautiful.
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This looks like a great book by a great author. I think Josie will like this book. The illustrations sound great (by your description)! Off to the Library!
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It is a stunning book Erik! Think you’d find his technique interesting.
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Beautifully illustrated book. The text sounds enchanting, must look out for it so I can enjoy the rest of it. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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It is a beautifully illustrated bok Diane. Know you’d enjoy studying each illustration. Has an orietal feel to it at times.
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Love the message of the book — I too, must find it, to see those unique illustrations!
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Beth, the illustrations are unique. A new artform Garland experimented with and captivated in this lovely book.
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Who ever thought that a fish might want to be something other than a fish? Interesting way to help kids with their own self-identity.
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Glad you enjoyed the review. Garland is so good with simplicity and getting to the essence of a message. Fish was a perfect match.
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