Something's Fishy: TOON Level 1

by Kevin McCloskey

Some fish breathe air and some fish fly, but the most wonderful fish of all turns out to be the one you’ve got at home. In another offering of the beloved Giggle and Learn series, Kevin McCloskey blends science, art, and comedy to reveal the true story behind the common goldfish.

Genres: Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Childrens, Comics

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book to get a young child when they get their first goldfish.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The man behind Toon’s Easy to Read Giggle and Learn series is back again with his fun blend of science and art. Something’s Fishy teaches young readers about fish – from the ABCs (there’s a fish for every letter of the alphabet), to biology, to the history of keeping goldfish as pets, Mr. McCloskey uses his acrylic and gouache artwork to illustrate all kinds of fish. He also discusses responsible pet ownership by mentioning that some fish, while popular film characters, aren’t really supposed to be pets: they’re much happier in their natural environments. A just-about-actual-size rendering of a foot-long goldfish will make readers giggle… and learn!

I love the trend of graphic novels as nonfiction texts, and Kevin McCloskey’s work for young readers and listeners are among some of my favorites. We Dig Worms and The Poop On Pigeons are in constant rotation at my library, and I can’t wait to introduce kids to fish with Something’s Fishy. His books make for excellent nonfiction storytime reading and pair nicely with picture books. You can very easily pair Something’s Fishy with Rainbow Fish, Lois Ehlert’s Rain Fish, or any number of fish or sea life-related stories. This is a fun add to nonfiction collections and a great gift for your younger Nemo and Octonauts fans.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

From its cleverly enticing title to its engaging images, this slim volume focuses, nor surprisingly, on fish. Starting with an ABC list of exotic ones, the author them provides all sorts of information on fish, including the fact that some don't have scales and some are even naked. All this discussion of exotic, beautifully colored fish builds to a history of the common goldfish found in many households today. Since they were once fairly rare, they were considered special gifts and some folks would actually have parties just to watch the goldfish. I didn't know any of this history or the fact that goldfish can live for 25 years and grow to a foot in length. Since the information is provided in a graphic novel format, it is all the more enticing for young readers--and this older reader too. These Toon Books are very cool!

[Erica (EricaEreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best comic-like information books for beginning readers I've seen. The narrative and information is easy to follow, the illustrations are well-done, and there is a subtle humor that I found refreshing. Definitely worth giving to ocean lovers and fans of Finding Nemo.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic easy reader begins with a "fishy" alphabet: a fish for every letter. Then two children (African American) teach their pets - a dog, a cat and a parrot - about fish. Each page opening talks about a characteristic of fish, and then reveals information about a fish that breaks from the rule. In deep colors that echo the watery depths, the acrylic and gouache artwork is playful but accurately portrays the many species of fish. Information about goldfish, which most children will be familiar with, ends this very accessible and appealing reader. I also like that the pets are the students, allowing children to picture themselves teaching to creatures less knowledgeable than themselves!

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandchildren loved this book. It starts off by naming a fish for every letter of the alphabet. It has lots of interesting facts about fish. The illustrations are engaging. It is a great book for children.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

No story but good, fishy fun.

[Kimberly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole toon series is excellent, and Kevin’s books are my son’s favorites. He laughs and is encouraged to read more. As the subject matter is animals, and the stories have a mixture of facts and humor, wow, very engaging for emerging readers! Highly recommend.

[YingYu Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love the blend of art and science, and this book even add up the supreme: comics!

Can’t think of anything better for a beginner. Would love to read more!

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mix of facts and story. Fun illustrations and a few cute surprises along the way.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but no panels so it didn’t feel like a comic to me. Totally read more like a picture book. Good non-fiction though.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely conveys quite a lot of information for such a small volume.

[Darlene Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of an alphabet book at the beginning, but the bulk of the book is a young boy and girl giving a lecture about fish to their other pets. Fun facts. Without the sun, goldfish would be black fish.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, factual alphabet book about fish. The information is interesting and the illustrations are wonderful.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only look up pictures of real hagfish or mudskippers if you are feeling brave!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Praises for fish, especially goldfish that make great pets.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several of McCloskey's books and this also was beautifully illustrated and had good information on fish. I was shocked that there are so many fish--at least one for each letter of the alphabet! Interesting book in my list of children's books I have read this year!

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't do anything for me. It's a science book without a story.It's also basically a picture book with an occasional two-page spread using speech bubbles. The book starts out telling information about fish in general then moves on to goldfish in particular. I wasn't that keen on the illustration either.Kids who have (or want) a goldfish for a pet are the most suited audience.

[Julie]

So....this book refers to a chocolate starfish, which isn't an actual sea creature. I believe they meant chocolate /chip/ starfish. In slang, a chocolate starfish has a much different thing.

So uh

That's really my only take away.