Too Crowded

by Lena Podesta

A hilarious, heartwarming picture book with subtle lessons about the importance of sharing, home, and friendship.

Gil the Goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles—he counts them every day—and a castle. It feels TOO CROWDED! When Gil leaves his bowl in search of open spaces, he finds a world full of many interesting…and loud … and possibly dangerous creatures.

It turns out that life outside the bowl might not be right for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, a citizen of the not-so-great outdoors who comes to Gil’s rescue! Will Gil make peace with his home sweet home, and maybe even find room for a friend in the process?

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Childrens, Fiction, Storytime, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

Lena Podesta is an American-born illustrator, writer, and animator who mostly creates character driven work for kids (and their adults) that is a little bit sweet and a little bit wicked too. She writes and illustrates books of her own and also illustrates books written by other authors.
Her animation work includes directing, visual development, storyboarding, and character animation for TV shows, movies, and commercials.
She likes being outside, old, falling apart things, bugs, dark jokes, and ice cream.
She currently lives in Portland, OR with her husband and two kids.

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will find a new house…
A house without plants or castles or pebbles.
A house that is not too crowded.

Daughter liked the pictures but didn’t seem too invested in the story as she likes our house being crowded and she’s a bit of a homebody.

She is in the stage of reading absolutely everything. Her brain is a sponge right now and these short stories with bright pictures are capturing her attention. I will text and she will be looking over my shoulder, whispering my text.

I love this learning thing but let’s not be nosy. Privacy? No? Damn. Here’s a book with long words… figure some out. I don’t believe in doing sight words, words are words sound them out. So here we are…. Author/ illustrator in the making just stop reading my thoughts…

Oh and the book is about some unhappy fish that eventually figures out he needs water to breathe and has to go back to living with his turtle roomie.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gil the Goldfish sets off in search of a home less crowded than his small glass fishbowl.

While this picture book is clearly meant to be humorous, and the illustrations are very cute, it is filled with problematic elements.

To begin with, the story’s intended message is unclear. It seems to be either that one should appreciate what one has or that the world is a dangerous place to be traversed with care. There is also a touch of there’s no place like home after all.

The story concludes with the assertion that one’s cramped living quarters are not overcrowded if one has companionship, which is a nice sentiment but absolutely untrue. Scientific research has conclusively shown that overcrowded living space is detrimental to both humans and animals.

I felt sorry for the goldfish. Goldfish do not need the 20 gallons per fish and full filtration system that they are commonly cited as needing, but that fishbowl is way too small for the goldfish especially with the amount of rocks and the size of the fish tank decorations. This is irresponsible pet ownership, which is something I personally find upsetting.

Then there is the issue of the turtle. 1) Wild turtles should never be taken as pets! This is illegal. It also harms the animal and contributes to the decline of wild populations that are already threatened or endangered. 2) Turtles eat live fish, so putting a turtle in the same tank as Gil the Goldfish is liable to result in his becoming lunch. 3) The last thing the irresponsible fishkeeper needs is another pet to take improper care of.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's cute but not a great book if you want to learn how to care for a pet. The little bowl is too small. End of story.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gil the Goldfish is not happy with his home. It's too crowded, he thinks. On the road he goes, in search of a new home. But the other homes he finds are too loud or too dangerous. Until he meets Turtle...and suddenly Gil's home, with Turtle as his companion, doesn't feel too crowded at all.

Very simple text, and bright fun illustrations.

[Abby Johnson]

Confession: the cover sold me on this book! This is a silly story about a goldfish (named Gil) who decides that his bowl is too crowded and he needs to find another place to live. So he dons sneakers and sets off with his suitcase to try out some different homes. At first I thought this book might be TOO silly (a goldfish walking around outside the water?!), but it all comes back around. I'm adding this to my list of laugh out loud funny books and anyone who's had a fish will also pick up this book based on the cover alone.

[April Chauvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cute and friendly book for young readers. This is definitely a book that I will purchase and put in the library for the students. It is about a little fish named Gil that thinks his house is too crowded with pebbles but after visiting several other homes he is finally brought back to his home and realizes that is where he belongs. A very cute story with beautiful illustrations and pictures.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest book!! Fishy thinks that his bowl is too crowded!! Once he goes to different animals around his house, he discovers that his fish bowl is the best place. I woukd recommend this book to a library or classroom. Its shows how you are where you should be even when you don't feel.like it all of the time. The pictures were so nice and it made the made story even more real.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for a pets storytime, a home storytime, or just a funny storytime! Illustrations are great, the repetition is wonderful, and the humor is perfect for adults and kids alike. An excellent choice for readalouds or one-on-one sharing, in my book!

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A goldfish feels his bowl is too small and goes off in search of a more spacious home. He tries moving in with several other animals (with amusing results). He doesn't seem to realize he's a fish out of water until one of them - the turtle - tells him that fish can't survive on land. Then there's an INCIDENT and a RESCUE and AFTERWARD the goldfish very much appreciates his bowl - especially when turtle moves in and he has a friend.

This starts off hilariously and many readers will wonder when exactly the goldfish is going to realize the folly of his enterprise (and that he can't breathe). It takes longer than you would expect. Unfortunately, the happy resolution can't really be happy for turtle who seems to be a LAND turtle who is now spending his time 24-7 UNDERWATER. Maybe he needs to come to a realization as well? Would have worked better if they ended up with a NEW "bowl" (a terrarium, maybe?) with both land and water areas so both of them could be comfortable/survive. But, still a cute story that shows how company/friends/associates can make a big difference in the way you experience your surroundings.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mika and I were both excited about the turtle.

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh-0ut-loud funny. Students will enjoy this one.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too Crowded by Lena Podesta tells the story of a little goldfish who thinks his fish bowl is too crowded. The fish seems bored and lonely, so it decided to find a new home. The goldfish puts on shoes and grabs a suitcase and leaves his fish bowl. The fish tries to live in a bird's nest, but it is too loud. The fish also tries to live in a cat's house, but it is too dangerous. The fish then encounters a turtle who says fish need water to breathe. A girl finds the fish and puts the fish and the turtle into the tiny cramped fish bowl where the two of them are very happy.
This story is beautifully illustrated and has a nice message about being happy with what one haves; however, this story just doesn't work for me. For starters, the fish bowl is truly small for a fish to live in and I felt bad for the fish being forced to live in such a small space. Second of all, the fish shouldn't need a turtle to say that fish need water to survive. Third, the girl puts the turtle in the tiny cramped fish bowl that was already too small for the fish. The sends the wrong message to children. Turtles who are found in nature should never be picked up and put in a tank. This is very unhealthy for wild turtles to be handled by humans and removed from their homes in nature. Children need to leave wild animals in the wild and not handle them or try to re-home them. Turtles especially need to be able to live on land and in water. Moreover, turtles need room to move around and food that they can easily find in nature. I always tell my children and students to leave turtles alone and let them enjoy their life in nature. I would never be able to read this book to students because it teaches children that it is okay to take animals out of their natural habitat and placing them into an inhabitable environment.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this one randomly when I was browsing books on one of my review newsletters and it looked adorable. Gil is bored with his tiny fishbowl and his approximately 138 pebbles. He is too crowded in his bowl and wants to see what other kind of homes there are out there. He puts on his shoes, packs a suitcase, and heads out into the world. He checks out a bird's nest, sees where a cat lives and visits his friend Turtle's home. Turtle calls for help after realizing that his friend is out of the water, and a young girl helps him out by moving him back to his tank. And she has brought a friend along! Now Gil is not so lonely and doesn't mind where he lives. I just loved the image of the fish with shoes! Super cute book and I enjoyed it. Highly recommended for ages 4-8, 5 stars. 

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher for an honest review.

Gil, a goldfish, feels crowded in his bowl with a plant, a castle, and 138 pebbles (that he cleans every day all by himself). When Gil bonks his nose on the side of his bowl, he decides he needs a new house; something bigger and roomier. He finds a bird's nest which is nice and large, but the birds are too noisy. He finds Cat’s house which is quiet, but dangerous as Cat tries to get Gil. Finally, Gil finds Turtle’s house. Turtle questions why Gil is out in the air because fish “can’t breathe air, silly.” As Gil gulps for breath, Turtle gets help from their human to save him. Now, Gil is back in his small, cramped bowl, but it’s not so cramped anymore because it is now Turtle’s home too.

This is a delightful introduction for children to animal homes and understanding feelings of loneliness and friendship. Gil’s home is cramped because he is alone, but once Turtle joins him, their home is just right. Too Crowded may also translate for children expecting a new sibling because Gil finds joy in sharing his home and things with Turtle. The illustrations are bright and colorful. They are limited, as is the text, and utilize lots of white space. Details are especially fun throughout as Gil wears sneakers and has a bandage on his nose from where he hit the side of his bowl. One final note...Gil is not identified as he, she, or they in the text. As the reader, I identified Gil as a him, but others may identify Gil as she or they.

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this cute story, a tiny goldfish named Gil learns the value of friendship. The story begins with Gil describing his surroundings--one plant, one castle, and 138 pebbles that he cleans everyday. His house is too small and he sets off on an adventure (complete with a suitcase and sneakers on his fins) to find a new house. This leads him to some interestings options including a bird’s nest (too noisy), a cat’s house (too dangerous), and finally on the top of a turtle’s shell. At this point in the story, the turtle informs Gil that he needs water for his new home. Now Gil is in a panic, but fortunately, a young child comes along and plops him back into his bowl. Gil is a little upset that he is back in his cramped house. That is until the turtle comes to join him. Now his cramped little house is just perfect.

I loved the illustrations in this story--bright, bold, and showed the hilarious expression of Gil on his adventures. I think children will enjoy seeing his new home choices and deciding for themselves if those choices would be right for Gil.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some fun and clever moments. I like how the fish was able to leave his fishbowl and travel around until someone reminded him that "fish can't breathe air, silly. You need water to survive." However, I was disappointed with the ending. I'm not sure if the message is supposed to be "count your blessings" or "be grateful for what you have," but I thought it was kind of depressing. The poor fish feels cramped in his little home (and it is tiny), and he goes out in search of something better. Instead of finding a larger fish tank, the books ends with the fish stuck in his original fishbowl with a roommate. I can't say I agree with the closing sentiment which is "Our house is not too crowded. Our house is PERFECT." Besides the lackluster ending, I still think this book would be a fun book to read with kids. The fish finds himself in some comical situations that might earn a chuckle from the reader/listener.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very cute. My rating 4.25.

Gil the Goldfish decides one day that his fishbowl, with the same pebbles to count each day, is too crowded for him. He sets out to find a better place to live. But each place he finds has a different problem. Eventually, he comes upon a turtle who points out that Gil needs to get back to his bowl. Once rescued Gil experiences a change of heart and finds room for a friend.

This is a very cute and easy read. I enjoyed the adventures and experiences that were shared for Gil even though it may have been unrealistic to see a fish travel outside his bowl. The story shares a good message - that the grass isn’t always greener - and also notes that life can be better sharing with a friend. The images are clean, colorful, and precise without being busy or overwhelming. I would be glad to share this with my grandchildren.

Source: NetGalley 2020.

[Alessandra Casiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced readers copy through NetGalley for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This book was very cute for young readers and teaches about how home is where your heart is and that things aren’t always greener on the other side. A bit reminiscent of Devin Scillian’s Memoirs of a Goldfish, this title was sweet and entertaining with a good set of animal characters . There is an exploration of the types of homes different animals have as well as the importance of friendship. The illustrations are beautiful and succinct, sentences are short and to the point for young readers. A great read aloud or emergent reader option.

[Literature Lattes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Too Crowded" by Lena Podesta is a cute new tale about a little fish searching for the perfect space to call home. The young fish sets off on an adventure and tries out several different homes before choosing the perfect spot to settle down.

This book is features a great set of characters and beautiful accompanying illustrations that will engage young readers! The author does a great job of setting the scene and introduces the main character to different animal habitats while keeping the plotline fun, fresh and inviting! This book was a winner in our family!

Blogger's Note: Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little goldfish has a plant, a castle, and exactly 138 pebbles in his fishbowl. It seems like a cushy life at first glance, but beneath the water's surface, it's too crowded in there! Packing a bag and putting shoes on his fins, he's off to find a new big home... but Bird's house is too loud, and Cat's house is far too dangerous. It takes a turtle to remind this fishy of an important fact of life... fish can't breathe air! Too Crowded is a sweet, funny adventure as well as a reminder of how much bigger your world can be when you have a friend by your side.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh!

I loved the illustrations, which were simple, bright, and had plenty of negative space. At first I didn't understand how the story was going to work (a fish walking around outside his fishbowl?), but this was resolved in a humorous way. This is the kind of picture book that will appeal to several age groups--younger children will appreciate the pictures and story, while older kids will understand the sly humor. I could definitely see this book working for a library program about pets!

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute illustrations and a fun structure with a repeated element--Goldfish is sick of his bowl, so he goes off exploring other animals' homes. The tone is very funny and conversational and would work well for storytime. In the end, he gains a new friend to his fishbowl--a turtle friend. My adult brain was like: wait...so his bowl was too crowded at the beginning, and now that there is another creature in it, it's okay? Because friendship? Also, do turtles and goldfish have the same water condition needs? Overthinking. This was cute!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story for little ones about how finding a friend can help you gain a totally new perspective. The fish wants a better house but the bird’s house is too noisy and the cat’s house too dangerous. When the turtle tells him he can’t breath air, he’s rushed back to his bowl by his person who then adds the turtle too and all is good. Not one to take too seriously- wild turtles shouldn’t be taken in as pets, and if a living space is truly too small, adding a friend will not fix the problem. But this fish with tennis shoes grows on me each reading.

[Yaritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny story of a fish that feels overcrowded in his glass bowl house and decides to search for a new home, unfortunately being a fish in search of a new home with other animals, might not be ideal. Fish wanted a bigger home but didn't find what he was looking for without other dramas like noise and danger. He went back to his crowded home and ended up with a new friend, they might be crowded, but not alone. A friendship was made that made a difference in his life. Children will enjoy the funny story of a fish rooming around without water.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky through Edelweiss+.
Charming story of a fish who feels too crowded in their bowl. Fish sets off to find a new home by checking out other animal's homes. In the end, readers discover Fish wasn't crowded - just lonely. Turtle and Fish settle in with the same plant, castle and stones but have each other.
Cute illustrations and a delightful message for younger readers.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is very cute (just look at that cover!)

It has a vibe similar to Are You My Mother?...
but I disagree with the basic premise about the size of the fish bowl. And as an introvert myself, I'd definitely want to encourage kids to find their own space and get what they need out of it (and also goldfish need more space than a fishbowl -- get a bigger tank with more pebbles to clean, but is less crowded)

[Katie Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing an early copy to read and review.

Gil the goldfish lives in a bowl with his plant, a castle and 138 pebbles that he cleans everyday. It feels TOO CROWDED, so Gil leaves his bowl in search of a better place to live. A good read for primary students and the discussion of being okay where you are. Pair with Penguin Problems for intermediate readers.
Published in April 2021.

[Lauren]

This book is really cute. It teaches two things. First, fish need friends and lot of room to live. Within the first one it can also seem to teach how to care for the fish. Second, it teaches that fish live in water to survive. The repetition and illustrations will engage and catch the eye of young readers. It gives you a chance to explore the different types of homes in different animals have. The sentences in this book are short and to the point for younger readers to pay attention to.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute little picture book about a little fish who thinks his house is too crowded. He has to clean the pebbles in it every day. Well, that is a lot of trouble! He decides to find another house. They don't work out too great either. Some are too noisy, some are too scary! Whatever will he do?

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to read for review. I enjoyed the book and think many children will too!

[Cat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh! I understand the message, but disagree 100 percent! Not a message I'd pass on to my children. Be content with nothing???? Be happy where you are? Make do with what you have and be satisfied? Nope. Not for me. I felt sorry for the goldfish AND the turtle. Sorry.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.