Feather Fin

Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

Even though Feather Fin is curious about the mysterious world high above his ocean home, he discovers that traveling far from home can be dangerous.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, along with Buttermilk, was my absolute favorite as a child. It's funny how things change when you're rereading as an adult. While Buttermilk's story absolutely holds up now, Feather Fin's is a little bit light and preachy. I think I'd mostly loved the art.

This is a bit of a Little Mermaid story, where Feather Fin spends his days dreaming of a different life that his mother warns him isn't safe for an eel like him. When he sneaks off one night and accidentally beaches himself, nearly dying on the beautiful shore, he discovers that she was right all along and spends the rest of his days content to stay at home and not dream of anything bigger.

"Listen to your parents" is a good message for a kid but..."don't follow your dreams because they're dangerous" is uh. Less so? Still, that latter message isn't one I'd picked up as a child, so I guess that's me overthinking it as an adult.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some beautiful pictures that will take you underneath the sea and into the life of a little eel with bright dreams above. This story in a sense can be the companion to "The Little Mermaid" where instead of a happy ending in High Above the eel finds the true dangers of ignoring his mother even for the seductive glittery beauty he views above.

The writing is poetic and simple enough while being very detailed so you are truly brought to be under the sea. The adult reader will be able to relate to everything the eel goes through in a sense so it can be used to start a discussion about the dangers that surround us.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 1 out of 5]

jeez. Even in the scheme of this series, the message in this one is objectionable. "If you follow your dreams, you'll end up gasping for air, dieing hopelessly, unless a wave just happens to catch you."

[Robert Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story. There is also a lesson to learn. The pictures are adorable l

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic plot: Curiosity can lead to danger.

I think I got my first Serendipity book through a Scholastic book order or book fair. I quickly became obsessed and collected a ton and a half of them as a child. I would spend hours just looking at the pictures because the art is simply gorgeous. The stories were whimsical and fun, and always ended with some sort of life lesson for kids. I kept reading these books long after other picture books had been set aside.

[Amy Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was always one of my absolute favourite Serendipity books,so I was thrilled to receive it for Christmas! 💖
The pictures are as heartachingly adorable as I remembered,I thought Feather Fin was just the cutest thing I'd ever seen and loved his peacock patterning.
The story's a little less deep or involved as some others but James' artwork is stunning here. A treasure as they all are.

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I read this one because I remember the cover and I know I read some of the others by this author. But, I can't find a plot summary to know for sure.

[Mikana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and a sweet little story with morale. A wonderful story to share with your loved ones.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moralistic story which cautions against adventure unapproved by a parent. It's really such a pretty book with colorful, meaningful moments.