You Can't Win Them All, Rainbow Fish

Pfister's glittery-scaled fish returns, just in time for the character's 25th anniversary, in a story about being a good sport. Rainbow Fish is having an off day playing hide and seek with his fellow fish, and when his frustrations boil over, he lashes out. "Well, I think it's a dumb game and I'm not playing!" he shouts before swimming off; a heart-to-heart with another fish and a round of apologies from Rainbow Fish set things right. It's a story very much in service of the message it aims to impart; families struggling with sore losers in their ranks may find it a useful teaching tool. Ages 4-8. (June)

PreS-Gr 1--Fans of Rainbow Fish will not be disappointed with Pfister's most recent installment of his classic children's book series. Rainbow Fish engages in a game of hide-and-seek with his friends and learns a difficult and humbling lesson: he is not the most adept player in the game. Not only is he unsuccessful at finding the other fish but he is also the first to be discovered when Little Blue becomes the seeker. Frustrated by Little Blue's victory, Rainbow Fish quits the game and angrily swims away. Red Fin, a newcomer to the shoal, immediately goes after him. In the end, Red Fin gently reminds Rainbow Fish that it's OK to lose. Pfister uses this very simple story line to address complex social and emotional development skills. At times, the writing is slightly predictable. However, the characters are multidimensional and relatable, often mirroring realistic childlike behaviors. The trademark illustrations of vibrant, sparkling scales provide great visuals and often compensate for the monotonous text. VERDICT Teeming with rich lessons about the value of good sportsmanship, this straightforward tale is a useful resource for teaching the importance of good character. A serviceable addition to most picture book collections.--Andrea Jamison, Lincoln Elementary School, Calumet City, IL