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Phone Call with a Fish
A story for anyone who has felt like a fish out of water
There’s a boy in class who doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t yell when a student steps on his foot, and he writes his answers to the teacher’s questions on the board. One of his classmates is trying to understand why he’s so quiet, but she can’t figure it out. But then one day the class goes to the science museum, and she discovers a phone with an aquarium full of fish on the other end of the line. And the fish, as it turns out, aren’t silent after all—they just have their own way of communicating.
This empathy-building story will encourage readers to approach others with compassion and understanding.
There’s a boy in class who doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t yell when a student steps on his foot, and he writes his answers to the teacher’s questions on the board. One of his classmates is trying to understand why he’s so quiet, but she can’t figure it out. But then one day the class goes to the science museum, and she discovers a phone with an aquarium full of fish on the other end of the line. And the fish, as it turns out, aren’t silent after all—they just have their own way of communicating.
This empathy-building story will encourage readers to approach others with compassion and understanding.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2018
1 person is currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 9, 2019
A young girl has always been drawn to a boy in her class who never speaks. Her mother explains that he is just shy whilst other adults point out that there is something wrong with him. Our protagonist ignores all this and through observing and reflecting and mimicing, she tries to understand why he chooses not to speak at school.
When the class takes a school trip to a science museum, she finds a fish tank with a phone receiver in it. In picking up the accompanying handset, she finds that a fish's world is full of noisy communication - we just cannot hear them. Struck by this, the girl pulls the boy over and shares this revelation with him and in doing so, he sees that someone has understood him. The ending is beautifully brought together and leaves us with a sign of hope and a friendship built on respect and understanding.
The book's format is quirky - a fusion text which is part graphic novel and part picturebook. The husband and wife team work so well together with the words often stepping aside to let a shared look or change in visual perspective do the talking. Although this could be taken as a story about selective mutism, it should be seen more as a story in which a young child takes the time to know another and does it, empathetically.
When the class takes a school trip to a science museum, she finds a fish tank with a phone receiver in it. In picking up the accompanying handset, she finds that a fish's world is full of noisy communication - we just cannot hear them. Struck by this, the girl pulls the boy over and shares this revelation with him and in doing so, he sees that someone has understood him. The ending is beautifully brought together and leaves us with a sign of hope and a friendship built on respect and understanding.
The book's format is quirky - a fusion text which is part graphic novel and part picturebook. The husband and wife team work so well together with the words often stepping aside to let a shared look or change in visual perspective do the talking. Although this could be taken as a story about selective mutism, it should be seen more as a story in which a young child takes the time to know another and does it, empathetically.
December 15, 2019
A story narrated a little girl who watches a boy in her class that choses not to speak. Ridculed, tested and ignored by some of his classmates, the protagonist wonders why he never uses his voice and tried to undersand what this must be like. During a trip to a Science museum, the little girl notices an exhibition that allows humans to listen to the communication between fishes underwater, normally inaudible to us but still happening all the same- and something that helps the little boy finally feel heard.
This is an eloquent example of how big a difference it can make to try and understand, remember and respect people who are often unseen or alienated. A story that would help children to respond emphatically and kindly to behaviours and ways of communicating that they perhaps have not seen before, rather than with annoyance or dismay. A beautiful and important book to develop a community of acceptance and kindness.
This is an eloquent example of how big a difference it can make to try and understand, remember and respect people who are often unseen or alienated. A story that would help children to respond emphatically and kindly to behaviours and ways of communicating that they perhaps have not seen before, rather than with annoyance or dismay. A beautiful and important book to develop a community of acceptance and kindness.
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March 27, 2019Who has a land line these days?
I enjoyed this book, but I am struggling to think about who it might be for, other than other dreamy, romantic people, of whatever age. It's about a girl who is low-key obsessed with the boy in her class who never talks. After listening to fish on a phone, the boy somehow finds her number and calls her on a landline.
I enjoyed this book, but I am struggling to think about who it might be for, other than other dreamy, romantic people, of whatever age. It's about a girl who is low-key obsessed with the boy in her class who never talks. After listening to fish on a phone, the boy somehow finds her number and calls her on a landline.
September 21, 2018
Translated from Italian, Silvia Vecchini"s Phone Call With a Fish, is a wonderful story about a little boy who doesn't talk in school and the classmate who tries to find a way to communicate with him. This is a great book for one on one time or for storytime.
April 3, 2019
Age: Kindergarten-3rd grade
A kind-hearted, curious girl is intrigued by the boy that never speaks in her class and gently tries to make friends with him. A strong story for encouraging empathy, kindness, patience, and embracing a personality that may be different from your own.
A kind-hearted, curious girl is intrigued by the boy that never speaks in her class and gently tries to make friends with him. A strong story for encouraging empathy, kindness, patience, and embracing a personality that may be different from your own.
September 7, 2018
This will be one of my sixth grade read alouds next week. Very special story.
June 26, 2019
An endearing story of a little boy finding it very difficult to talk at school, even though he is able to at home. A girl in his class begins to understand his troubles and helps him to find his way.
April 13, 2020
Il libro “Telefonata con il pesce” di Silvia Vecchini e Sualzo racconta di un bambino che non parla mai. O meglio, lui a casa parla, ma a scuola no.
Le maestre lo credono timido e dicono che col tempo parlerà, alcuni amici lo credono un fiore che piano sboccerà, alcuni genitori dicono che ha qualcosa che non va, altri bambini lo credono un sasso perché il tempo passa e lui continua a non parlare."Come sarà la sua voce?”.
Il Mutismo Selettivo è un disturbo d’ansia poco conosciuto che colpisce prevalentemente i bambini. È caratterizzato dall’incapacità di parlare in alcuni contesti sociali,nonostante lo sviluppo e la comprensione del linguaggio siano nella norma.Questo non è un fenomeno dovuto a una disfunzione organica o ad un’incapacità correlata allo sviluppo,ma è un atteggiamento di risposta ad un forte stato emotivo legato all’ansia.
Nonostante vogliano farlo,gli individui muto selettivi non riescono a parlare fuori casa o in presenza di estranei e questo avviene in particolare in luoghi pubblici o nei contesti sociali più ansiogeni come a lavoro o a scuola. Tale condizione,infatti, interferisce con i risultati scolastici, lavorativi o con la comunicazione sociale. A causa della forte paura che le interazioni sociali suscitano in questi soggetti le loro espressioni facciali risultano inespressive e vi è difficoltà a mantenere il contatto visivo con l’interlocutore.Il linguaggio del corpo è impacciato e goffo, quando si rivolge loro attenzione, è tipico voltare la testa, guardare a terra o toccarsi i capelli durante una conversazione.
Possono essere frequenti anche somatizzazioni quali mal di pancia, mal di testa, nausea,dispnea e faticabilità respiratoria. Le cause del Mutismo Selettivo sono ad oggi poco chiare poiché le spiegazioni presenti in letteratura sono varie. L’ipotesi più accreditata è che il disturbo sia una condizione eterogenea determinata da diversi fattori, in primis fattori genetici e ambientali.
E’ importante saper diagnosticare precocemente il disturbo in quanto questo si associa a una migliore risposta al trattamento e, dunque, a una buona prognosi.
E il bambino della storia riuscirà a parlare? Vi invitiamo a leggerlo e scoprirlo voi stessi!
Recensione di Psicoleggimi
Le maestre lo credono timido e dicono che col tempo parlerà, alcuni amici lo credono un fiore che piano sboccerà, alcuni genitori dicono che ha qualcosa che non va, altri bambini lo credono un sasso perché il tempo passa e lui continua a non parlare."Come sarà la sua voce?”.
Il Mutismo Selettivo è un disturbo d’ansia poco conosciuto che colpisce prevalentemente i bambini. È caratterizzato dall’incapacità di parlare in alcuni contesti sociali,nonostante lo sviluppo e la comprensione del linguaggio siano nella norma.Questo non è un fenomeno dovuto a una disfunzione organica o ad un’incapacità correlata allo sviluppo,ma è un atteggiamento di risposta ad un forte stato emotivo legato all’ansia.
Nonostante vogliano farlo,gli individui muto selettivi non riescono a parlare fuori casa o in presenza di estranei e questo avviene in particolare in luoghi pubblici o nei contesti sociali più ansiogeni come a lavoro o a scuola. Tale condizione,infatti, interferisce con i risultati scolastici, lavorativi o con la comunicazione sociale. A causa della forte paura che le interazioni sociali suscitano in questi soggetti le loro espressioni facciali risultano inespressive e vi è difficoltà a mantenere il contatto visivo con l’interlocutore.Il linguaggio del corpo è impacciato e goffo, quando si rivolge loro attenzione, è tipico voltare la testa, guardare a terra o toccarsi i capelli durante una conversazione.
Possono essere frequenti anche somatizzazioni quali mal di pancia, mal di testa, nausea,dispnea e faticabilità respiratoria. Le cause del Mutismo Selettivo sono ad oggi poco chiare poiché le spiegazioni presenti in letteratura sono varie. L’ipotesi più accreditata è che il disturbo sia una condizione eterogenea determinata da diversi fattori, in primis fattori genetici e ambientali.
E’ importante saper diagnosticare precocemente il disturbo in quanto questo si associa a una migliore risposta al trattamento e, dunque, a una buona prognosi.
E il bambino della storia riuscirà a parlare? Vi invitiamo a leggerlo e scoprirlo voi stessi!
Recensione di Psicoleggimi
September 15, 2018
This is a charming story about a little boy who won’t talk in school, and a little girl who tries to draw him out of his shell. She herself loves to talk. She says: "Talking is like breathing."
Some kids bully the boy, but this girl doesn’t abandon her efforts to befriend him; she thinks he is missing out on a whole realm of life that brings enjoyment. One day when their class visits a science museum, she sees an aquarium with a telephone inside, and brings the boy, still wordless, over to listen. Later, she got a phone call from the boy. “Hi, it’s me,” she hears, to her astonishment.
The illustrations are by Sualzo, which is the name used by the artist Antonio Vincenti, and who is married to the author. His color palette reflects the aquarium theme, and the figures, which are cartoon like, are perfect for the intended age range for this book (4 to 8 years old).
Evaluation: This book will encourage children to reach out to others; who knows where one might find new friends? Most of the story is told through the cute, quirky pictures, which will make it easier for early readers.
Some kids bully the boy, but this girl doesn’t abandon her efforts to befriend him; she thinks he is missing out on a whole realm of life that brings enjoyment. One day when their class visits a science museum, she sees an aquarium with a telephone inside, and brings the boy, still wordless, over to listen. Later, she got a phone call from the boy. “Hi, it’s me,” she hears, to her astonishment.
The illustrations are by Sualzo, which is the name used by the artist Antonio Vincenti, and who is married to the author. His color palette reflects the aquarium theme, and the figures, which are cartoon like, are perfect for the intended age range for this book (4 to 8 years old).
Evaluation: This book will encourage children to reach out to others; who knows where one might find new friends? Most of the story is told through the cute, quirky pictures, which will make it easier for early readers.
January 12, 2019
Phone Call With A Fish by Silvia Vecchini, illustrated by Sualzo. PICTURE BOOK. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2018. 9780802855107
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A new kid at school doesn’t say a word during the schoolday. Some of the students say that he is just shy while others think there is something wrong with him. The narrator of the book, a girl in his class, observes him gently and befriends him, but he still doesn’t speak. One day they go to the aquarium and learn that fish have a special way of speaking to each other because of an exhibit with a phone held up to the tank. Later that night the narrator gets a phone call from a “fish”.
This book gave me cold-chills it was so tender and heart-wrenching, but my kids were far less impressed. In fact, my kids were kind of bored. This book has the ability to facilitate great conversations on compassion and being gentle with each others, but the book is a little slow. The colors are also pretty bland, just blue and brown.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A new kid at school doesn’t say a word during the schoolday. Some of the students say that he is just shy while others think there is something wrong with him. The narrator of the book, a girl in his class, observes him gently and befriends him, but he still doesn’t speak. One day they go to the aquarium and learn that fish have a special way of speaking to each other because of an exhibit with a phone held up to the tank. Later that night the narrator gets a phone call from a “fish”.
This book gave me cold-chills it was so tender and heart-wrenching, but my kids were far less impressed. In fact, my kids were kind of bored. This book has the ability to facilitate great conversations on compassion and being gentle with each others, but the book is a little slow. The colors are also pretty bland, just blue and brown.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
August 22, 2018
I received this book for free from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
Phone Call with a Fish is a delightful book about a little boy who doesn't talk, and a little girl who is curious about what it is like to be him. We never really learn why he doesn't speak, but it really doesn't matter why. It is enough that he is different than everyone else.
The young girl ponders what it would be like to never speak in school. His mom says he is very shy, but he talks at home, so the little girl tries to do what he does. She watches him stare out the window at school, and the way he interacts with his classmates.
Her curiosity is very sweet, the little girl manages to empathize with the silent boy even though others around her have little interest in understanding him. She finally connects with him via the eponymous phone call with a fish at the science museum.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and I appreciate the lessons that can be taught to my children. Highly recommended.
Phone Call with a Fish is a delightful book about a little boy who doesn't talk, and a little girl who is curious about what it is like to be him. We never really learn why he doesn't speak, but it really doesn't matter why. It is enough that he is different than everyone else.
The young girl ponders what it would be like to never speak in school. His mom says he is very shy, but he talks at home, so the little girl tries to do what he does. She watches him stare out the window at school, and the way he interacts with his classmates.
Her curiosity is very sweet, the little girl manages to empathize with the silent boy even though others around her have little interest in understanding him. She finally connects with him via the eponymous phone call with a fish at the science museum.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and I appreciate the lessons that can be taught to my children. Highly recommended.
October 10, 2018
- I received this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
A fantastic book about a girl who connect with her shy classmate. This book touches gently on the subject of shyness. With wonderful illustrations, in a unique color pallet this book is delightful in a quite sort of way. I think that was done on purpose, a book about a shy boy who won't talk in class shouldn't feel loud. I loved the way the story doesn't force the boy to "come out of his shell" or to discover that he's not shy, it allows him to be himself while his classmate slowly earns his trust and friendship. Shyness might not be something we think of when we think diversity or disability, but I couldn't help thinking that this book is great for helping kids to learn empathy for differences.
A fantastic book about a girl who connect with her shy classmate. This book touches gently on the subject of shyness. With wonderful illustrations, in a unique color pallet this book is delightful in a quite sort of way. I think that was done on purpose, a book about a shy boy who won't talk in class shouldn't feel loud. I loved the way the story doesn't force the boy to "come out of his shell" or to discover that he's not shy, it allows him to be himself while his classmate slowly earns his trust and friendship. Shyness might not be something we think of when we think diversity or disability, but I couldn't help thinking that this book is great for helping kids to learn empathy for differences.
March 3, 2019
A student in class has yet to speak. “Well, he talks at home. But not at school.” A classmate tries to figure out why he is so silent. She even tries it herself and finds that the time goes so slowly. “Talking is like breathing.”
Then, on a field trip to a science museum, she discovers a phone handset floating inside a fish tank. She picks up the receiver to the phone next to the aquarium and hears “mysterious, beautiful secret sounds.” According to the sign on the wall, she is hearing the fish speak ... “they send each other message of danger and messages of love.” She immediately brings her silent classmate to the display so he can hear.
That act of kindness seems to make the difference.
Then, on a field trip to a science museum, she discovers a phone handset floating inside a fish tank. She picks up the receiver to the phone next to the aquarium and hears “mysterious, beautiful secret sounds.” According to the sign on the wall, she is hearing the fish speak ... “they send each other message of danger and messages of love.” She immediately brings her silent classmate to the display so he can hear.
That act of kindness seems to make the difference.
January 18, 2019
A young girl notices that one of her classmates never talks in school. Some of the other kids think he is strange and try to do things to make him speak, but he never does. The girl tries to imagine what it's like to be him and to be so quiet. It's hard for her. After a field trip where she listens to the weirdly beautiful silence of fish in an aquarium (an experience she shares with the boy), she the boy a note in class of a fish on the phone and in turn receives a phone call from him. A sensitive story about understanding and empathizing with others and offering friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2020
A little girl is curious about a boy in her class who never talks. He can talk at home just never at school. They go on a school trip to a museum where the girl finds ‘talking’ fish, she shows the boy who is interested. He then phones her at home. A nice story about looking out for others and making friends. There is the theme of selective mutism however I think the story is better if the focus is on friendship and inclusion. Because the selective mutism side of the story is told from an outsiders perspective it does not fully explain what is going on.
August 20, 2018
The classmate of a boy who never says anything tries to understand why he is so quiet, and finally finds a way to communicate with him after a field trip to a science museum. A perceptive, insightful depiction of the inner lives of children, and sensitive story of compassion and empathy. Originally published in Italy.
March 9, 2019
A beautiful book about a boy who doesn't speak in school. His classmate tries to become his friend and find a way to communicate. The boy opens up to her when she shows him how fish communicate through the sounds in the water. Overall, a beautiful lesson on how people use different ways to communicate. This would be better as a one-on-one story due to the small images.
July 21, 2019
A kind-hearted, curious girl is intrigued by the boy that never speaks in her class and gently tries to make friends with him. A strong story for encouraging empathy, kindness, patience, and embracing a personality that may be different from your own.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
August 17, 2019
I love this new art trend in picture books where the art is set up more like a graphic novel, with panels that sweep across the page in a more engaging visual narrative. In addition to the beautiful art, this book had a touching story about a young boy who wouldn't talk, and the girl who reached out and showed him that maybe it was safe to say something.
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March 22, 2023I received this suggestion in response to a query about neurodivergent books for children and teens. There's no indication that the narrator's classmate is neurodivergent, but is selectively or situationally mute. He is compared to a flower (slow to bloom), a rock, and a fish. Another classmate steps on his foot to see if he'll speak, and the narrator touches him without consent.
December 5, 2018
A young boy in class never speaks and others are not kind about it but one girl wants to understand. Can she figure out a way to cimmunicate with the boy. Beautiful and emotional. Illustrations add to the complexity of the story. Elementary and up
December 12, 2018
A young boy stays mute in the classroom. One of his classmates reaches out to show love and care. On their fieldtrip she sees a phone to listen to fish in an aquarium. She shows him and they both find a way to communicate without talking face to face.
Use to talk about compassion and empathy.
Use to talk about compassion and empathy.
December 12, 2018
This was a wonderful book. There is a young boy in class who doesn't speak. Not a word. Some of the kids tease, but one girl's curiosity grows and grows, and she finally finds a way to reach him. Beautiful.
April 19, 2019
I liked this. A very original book. Did something I've not seen before and in a good way.
I like that the phone handset was referred to as old school (it is) but when the actual home phone rings that will also confuse kids because they won't have seen one.
I like that the phone handset was referred to as old school (it is) but when the actual home phone rings that will also confuse kids because they won't have seen one.
May 3, 2019
10/10 love this book. I personally grew up shy, just like in this book. I have never met someone who I can relate to completely about it, so when I came across this book at work(I work at a library), I picked up and just fell in love. This is a perfect description of what it was like growing up.
August 12, 2018
A selectively mute child and the classmate with enough empathy to try to understand him.
October 15, 2018
I love the illustrations and concepts in this book but I sorta wish the kid who did not talk did not regain his voice at the end. Sometimes not talking is just a thing that doesn't get resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2018
What a unique book! Can't wait to read it with some of my classes to see what they think.
November 15, 2018
The greyed-out palette and graphic novel sensibility of the illustrations are perfect for this sensitive friendship story. Highly recommended for ages 6-9.
November 23, 2018
The new boy in class does not take. A girl reaches out and finds a way to befriend him anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews