Derek

by Anne Donaldson, Matt Shanks (illustrator)

Derek is a fish with many questions.

Why is the universe round? Where do bubbles come from? Why does food rain down from above?

But the question Derek asks himself more than any other ‘Why am I alone?’

From new talent Anne Donaldson and bestselling illustrator Matt Shanks comes an adorable adventure about curiosity, courage and connection.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Derek too!
I love his questioning mind.
I love his problem solving.
I love his growth mindset.
I love that his mind and feelings together help him question until he finds his best solution.
I love looking at a human world from another perspective - Derek's mind.
It is a fun one.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek is so delightful. It took me a moment at the beginning, when his questions were, Why is the universe round? why is the ground pink? Then it hit me! He is talking about his bowl! It is a wonderful, funny and heart warming story and the illustrations are fantastic.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was fun and cute. It was reminiscent of my favourite scene in My Life as an Alphabet, which just made me love it more. Derek’s entire life consists of his fish bowl, so when he contemplates the universe it’s quite delightful.

[LibraryKath · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorably cute book about a fish named Derek who has many questions, the most pressing of which is "Why am I alone?" He tries to get the attention of the humans but finds himself with an unexpected outcome. I loved the artwork and it's an adorable story.

[Lizzie Fusco · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute. I love you, Derek.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet story 🐟

[Krandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about it 🙌😆