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Denizi Bulan Balık
Kapak Arkası:
Alan Watts, çocuksu bir aşkınlığı spritüel yolculuğa taşıyarak çocuklar için bir öykü yazdı. Denizi Bulan Balık, bu hoş ve bilge öğreti masalını yer bir nesil için hayata geçiriyor. Ödüllü ressam Khoa Le'nin yenilikçi sanatıyla zamana meydan okuyan eğlenceli bir hikâye elinizin altında - yaşamın akışıyla uyum içinde olma mesajını sizinle paylaşıyor. Bu kuyruk hikâyesinde, çocuklar tuhaf bir şekilde tanıdık bir sorunu olan bir balıkla karşılaşacaklar - aklı o kadar karışmıştır ki tüm zamanını çemberler halinde kendini kovalayarak harcar! Sadece Büyük Deniz zavallı balığımızın kendi dizginsiz düşünceleriyle yarattığı karmaşadan çıkmasına izin verir. Zamana direnen ve hiçbir zaman modası geçmeyecek Alan Watts'ın bilgeliğini ve nüktesini kusursuz bir biçimde yakalayan bir masal.
Alan Watts, çocuksu bir aşkınlığı spritüel yolculuğa taşıyarak çocuklar için bir öykü yazdı. Denizi Bulan Balık, bu hoş ve bilge öğreti masalını yer bir nesil için hayata geçiriyor. Ödüllü ressam Khoa Le'nin yenilikçi sanatıyla zamana meydan okuyan eğlenceli bir hikâye elinizin altında - yaşamın akışıyla uyum içinde olma mesajını sizinle paylaşıyor. Bu kuyruk hikâyesinde, çocuklar tuhaf bir şekilde tanıdık bir sorunu olan bir balıkla karşılaşacaklar - aklı o kadar karışmıştır ki tüm zamanını çemberler halinde kendini kovalayarak harcar! Sadece Büyük Deniz zavallı balığımızın kendi dizginsiz düşünceleriyle yarattığı karmaşadan çıkmasına izin verir. Zamana direnen ve hiçbir zaman modası geçmeyecek Alan Watts'ın bilgeliğini ve nüktesini kusursuz bir biçimde yakalayan bir masal.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1944
9 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Alan W. Watts
252 books8,152 followersAlan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 6, 2024
Have you heard the parable of the fish who found the sea? You must read it if you’re an overthinker.
So once upon a time, there was an ordinary fish who lived in the great sea, not being aware he was in it. He believed that he swam up and down and around in an empty space all by himself which he thought was very clever of him.
But One day he started overthinking “What if he forgets how to swim and falls down into the abyss of the great sea? At that moment, all his skill of swimming had left him and he began to fall. In the midst of the fall, he realised there is only one way of saving himself to grab hold of his own tail with his mouth and hold himself up.
But the faster he chased his own tail, the faster it moved away. Consequently, he was getting nowhere and his life was becoming meaningless and dull. but he was also too afraid to stop. He was sure if he stopped, he would fall down into the abyss. All this while the great sea had been watching this with a sense of amusement and worry. So the great sea called out to him, “What do you think you’re doing? You have been chasing your own tail for quite a while and yet you’re nowhere near to catching it.
This was too much for the fish, So he stopped chasing and looked around to see who was talking to him. There was no one to be seen and it was strange though how he was still floating in the water as if he was suspended from an empty space.
“There, now.” continued the great sea, you thought you were doing it all by yourself and you never knew that I hold you up all the time. Can’t you see, I am the one who is keeping you afloat? I have given all of myself to you and yet you have forgotten me and wasted yourself in pursuing your own end.
Then the fish realised how he has always been looked after and protected by the great sea. From that moment that fish was happier than ever.
The Moral Of The Story
The moral of the story is that In life, we try so hard to stay in control, fearing if we let go, we’ll fall into some bottomless pit of despair and suffering. But what really happens when we let go is that we discover that we are held by something much bigger than ourselves.
Don’t be so sure that you are doing everything all by yourself. I am sure you have a lot to do with where you’re right now but the universe also played a major role in it. There are always bigger forces in play and you’re already doing the best you can do. So stop overthinking or should I say chasing your own tail. The Universe Has Your Back.
So once upon a time, there was an ordinary fish who lived in the great sea, not being aware he was in it. He believed that he swam up and down and around in an empty space all by himself which he thought was very clever of him.
But One day he started overthinking “What if he forgets how to swim and falls down into the abyss of the great sea? At that moment, all his skill of swimming had left him and he began to fall. In the midst of the fall, he realised there is only one way of saving himself to grab hold of his own tail with his mouth and hold himself up.
But the faster he chased his own tail, the faster it moved away. Consequently, he was getting nowhere and his life was becoming meaningless and dull. but he was also too afraid to stop. He was sure if he stopped, he would fall down into the abyss. All this while the great sea had been watching this with a sense of amusement and worry. So the great sea called out to him, “What do you think you’re doing? You have been chasing your own tail for quite a while and yet you’re nowhere near to catching it.
This was too much for the fish, So he stopped chasing and looked around to see who was talking to him. There was no one to be seen and it was strange though how he was still floating in the water as if he was suspended from an empty space.
“There, now.” continued the great sea, you thought you were doing it all by yourself and you never knew that I hold you up all the time. Can’t you see, I am the one who is keeping you afloat? I have given all of myself to you and yet you have forgotten me and wasted yourself in pursuing your own end.
Then the fish realised how he has always been looked after and protected by the great sea. From that moment that fish was happier than ever.
The Moral Of The Story
The moral of the story is that In life, we try so hard to stay in control, fearing if we let go, we’ll fall into some bottomless pit of despair and suffering. But what really happens when we let go is that we discover that we are held by something much bigger than ourselves.
Don’t be so sure that you are doing everything all by yourself. I am sure you have a lot to do with where you’re right now but the universe also played a major role in it. There are always bigger forces in play and you’re already doing the best you can do. So stop overthinking or should I say chasing your own tail. The Universe Has Your Back.
January 15, 2020
The fish was sure that if he relaxed the chase for a moment he would plunge headlong into the abyss, and so he redoubled his efforts to save himself, in spite of the fact that he became more and more tired and disgusted every minute.
Soon he saw that he was in a hideous dilemma: he must either fall into the abyss or go on chasing his tail. Both alternatives were equally horrifying.
He waved his fins in panic and prepared to die.
This is not a children's book. It's an illustrated spiritual parable for grownups written by an author who really doesn't seem to understand kids if he thinks that they want to read a story about existential terror that uses words like "obtruded". That sound you hear is lots of tiny feet pounding on the floor as they try to escape this so-called children's storybook.
If it were marketed to adults, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But as it's being marketed to kids, I have to take into account its suitability for the age group. The illustrations are lovely... but the text will go so far over kids' heads as to be essentially meaningless. And for those kids who do understand some of it, it could be scary. The author even seems to appeal to the little worrywarts with the following suggestion:
You know how it is when you start thinking about something you do automatically, such as breathing, or riding a bike: you begin to get confused.
The fish goes on to think he's forgotten how to swim. Just what we need: little kids worrying that they're going to get confused and forget how to breathe.
I'd recommend this to teens and up. It's not a children's book, despite how it's being marketed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sounds True for providing a digital ARC.
Soon he saw that he was in a hideous dilemma: he must either fall into the abyss or go on chasing his tail. Both alternatives were equally horrifying.
He waved his fins in panic and prepared to die.
This is not a children's book. It's an illustrated spiritual parable for grownups written by an author who really doesn't seem to understand kids if he thinks that they want to read a story about existential terror that uses words like "obtruded". That sound you hear is lots of tiny feet pounding on the floor as they try to escape this so-called children's storybook.
If it were marketed to adults, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But as it's being marketed to kids, I have to take into account its suitability for the age group. The illustrations are lovely... but the text will go so far over kids' heads as to be essentially meaningless. And for those kids who do understand some of it, it could be scary. The author even seems to appeal to the little worrywarts with the following suggestion:
You know how it is when you start thinking about something you do automatically, such as breathing, or riding a bike: you begin to get confused.
The fish goes on to think he's forgotten how to swim. Just what we need: little kids worrying that they're going to get confused and forget how to breathe.
I'd recommend this to teens and up. It's not a children's book, despite how it's being marketed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sounds True for providing a digital ARC.
September 19, 2021
LEER RESEÑA COMPLETA EN MI BLOG: https://www.blogdivergente.com/2021/0...
Vivir en lo profundo del océano y estar rodeado de miles -posiblemente millones de especies martinas-, cada una con diferentes colores y tamaños podría resultar abrumador. En el Gran Océano la vida nunca termina y no hay calma, el agua está en constante circulación, como la vida misma.
Sin embargo, dentro de este vasto mundo marino, un pequeño pez se siente perdido por la inmensidad que lo rodea a causa de cuestionarse su propia realidad, que lo ha dejado tan abrumado que ha perdido la capacidad de nadar, hundiéndose en las abismales aguas.
En ese momento, cuando más ajeno se siente de su existencia, que escucha una voz. Esa voz es el océano, y le dice que todo aquello que siente (la parálisis e incapacidad para nadar), es por vivir con temor. Le aconseja confiar en sus instintos para navegar en la oscuridad y llegar a la superficie.
El pez que encontró el océano es una lectura reflexiva para pequeños y grandes que nos invita a cuestionar nuestras emociones de una forma que resulte beneficiosa para nosotros. ¿Por qué vivir preocupados por algo que tal vez nunca llegue? Hay que estar alerta del presente y dejar para mañana aquello que no nos compete hoy.
Vivir en lo profundo del océano y estar rodeado de miles -posiblemente millones de especies martinas-, cada una con diferentes colores y tamaños podría resultar abrumador. En el Gran Océano la vida nunca termina y no hay calma, el agua está en constante circulación, como la vida misma.
Sin embargo, dentro de este vasto mundo marino, un pequeño pez se siente perdido por la inmensidad que lo rodea a causa de cuestionarse su propia realidad, que lo ha dejado tan abrumado que ha perdido la capacidad de nadar, hundiéndose en las abismales aguas.
En ese momento, cuando más ajeno se siente de su existencia, que escucha una voz. Esa voz es el océano, y le dice que todo aquello que siente (la parálisis e incapacidad para nadar), es por vivir con temor. Le aconseja confiar en sus instintos para navegar en la oscuridad y llegar a la superficie.
El pez que encontró el océano es una lectura reflexiva para pequeños y grandes que nos invita a cuestionar nuestras emociones de una forma que resulte beneficiosa para nosotros. ¿Por qué vivir preocupados por algo que tal vez nunca llegue? Hay que estar alerta del presente y dejar para mañana aquello que no nos compete hoy.
April 20, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. I am a bit confused with this book. Let me start with the illustrations, which in my opinion are just super and really give life to the story. The book itself is supposed to be a picture book and this aimed at young readers, but while the illustrations are great and the life parables are super, the language is a bit difficult for that intended age. I think this is a good book for parents to read with their kids and explain the deeper meanings within the book.
January 18, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is beautifully illustrated but the language used in the story itself was quite grown up and not easy for a child to follow or completely grasp what it means.
The story is a nice story just a little old within the vocabulary for the audience it is aimed at.
This book is beautifully illustrated but the language used in the story itself was quite grown up and not easy for a child to follow or completely grasp what it means.
The story is a nice story just a little old within the vocabulary for the audience it is aimed at.
January 13, 2020
This book is absolutely beautifully illustrated. The words are also lovely - but that's where the disconnect is. The level for the words and the level for the pictures seem a mismatch - the words of the story are far too heavy and too much for the illustrations held in the story. I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review from Netgalley.
January 12, 2020
3,5/5. I like the deep message behind the story which was good, important and just perfectly well balance between to obvious and just obscure. Unfortunately the story in itself and the illustrations where just okay, very average, not really captivating, but not bad in anyway...
May 5, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
How can I resist such a gorgeous cover. I am a cover lover and this book just made me have heart-eyes.
Sadly, I have to say that I didn’t enjoy this one as much. This has nothing to do with the art, that one is just absolutely stunning and took me on a trip of its own. But the problem I had was with the words. There are so many of them. A whole block of text with a boring and bland font, tons of words that the tiniest ones probably wouldn’t understand and some older ones may also have a hard time with. Really, who thought sentences like: “he whizzed around in circles in frantic pursuit of his own end” or “Still more, the Great Sea always surrounded them in such a way that it bore them up, and made itself transparent so that they could see where they were going and enjoy all the wonders of the deep.” and several others, were a good idea? I know there are picture books with more text than normally, but in this case it just didn’t fit. And quite often the sentences flow a lot of better in those books. This was at times just too dense. Even I had to re-read sentences as I couldn’t believe they were there. You have these gorgeous illustrations and the text is just taking over, it is a big and dense presence.
Not to mention that the story got quite depressing but thankfully picked up later on.
The idea is there, a fish who finds the sea, finds out what swimming is and then a happy ending. The art is there (again stunning). The cover is there as well. But then there are these blocks of text that just drown it all. But one could easily also tell the story, in probably easier words and with less fanciness, by looking at the illustrations.
2 stars for the art and the idea.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
How can I resist such a gorgeous cover. I am a cover lover and this book just made me have heart-eyes.
Sadly, I have to say that I didn’t enjoy this one as much. This has nothing to do with the art, that one is just absolutely stunning and took me on a trip of its own. But the problem I had was with the words. There are so many of them. A whole block of text with a boring and bland font, tons of words that the tiniest ones probably wouldn’t understand and some older ones may also have a hard time with. Really, who thought sentences like: “he whizzed around in circles in frantic pursuit of his own end” or “Still more, the Great Sea always surrounded them in such a way that it bore them up, and made itself transparent so that they could see where they were going and enjoy all the wonders of the deep.” and several others, were a good idea? I know there are picture books with more text than normally, but in this case it just didn’t fit. And quite often the sentences flow a lot of better in those books. This was at times just too dense. Even I had to re-read sentences as I couldn’t believe they were there. You have these gorgeous illustrations and the text is just taking over, it is a big and dense presence.
Not to mention that the story got quite depressing but thankfully picked up later on.
The idea is there, a fish who finds the sea, finds out what swimming is and then a happy ending. The art is there (again stunning). The cover is there as well. But then there are these blocks of text that just drown it all. But one could easily also tell the story, in probably easier words and with less fanciness, by looking at the illustrations.
2 stars for the art and the idea.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 11, 2020
The first Alan Watts picture book! Published by his two daughters, the story has appeared in print before, but never in this beautiful form. It's a classic Alan Watts parable, diving into existential dread and confusion, but resolving into the simple joy of being.
April 12, 2020
This was a book whose title was very eye-catching to me for how does a fish actually find the sea, especially if he is born there? Or is this possibly a freshwater fish who chose to tackle salt water for whatever reason? I guess you have to read it to find out....
Anyway what happens is this is more a spiritual/philosophical book than an actual children's book but put in an easier to digest format for older readers. Although this is quite unusual I actually prefer this selection over those that tackle numerous philosophical topics all in a novel of 200+ pages, which ends up making that type of read more confusing and dull. Even though it is still word heavy for very young readers it isn't overly wordy for getting the message across.
As for the story itself it explores what happens when the human creature takes itself off of Autopilot and starts to question the strange world around itself. When you start exploring to find yourself how do you respond to the experiences you cannot explain - fearful, anxious, open to learning, growth, all of the above?
The illustrations are amazingly done, brightly colored even for the darkest aspects and very detailed. I wasn't a fan of the little fish's eyes but they are only just one small detail when compared to the beauty found in the whole page.
And although the book is spiritual by nature there is no claiming suggestion as to whether the Great Sea is God, Allah, Buddha, the Great Divine, etc. thus it is quite a flexible book for any and all readers.
This is definitely one book I would call a keeper and would recommend for those who are starting to question the world around themselves.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Anyway what happens is this is more a spiritual/philosophical book than an actual children's book but put in an easier to digest format for older readers. Although this is quite unusual I actually prefer this selection over those that tackle numerous philosophical topics all in a novel of 200+ pages, which ends up making that type of read more confusing and dull. Even though it is still word heavy for very young readers it isn't overly wordy for getting the message across.
As for the story itself it explores what happens when the human creature takes itself off of Autopilot and starts to question the strange world around itself. When you start exploring to find yourself how do you respond to the experiences you cannot explain - fearful, anxious, open to learning, growth, all of the above?
The illustrations are amazingly done, brightly colored even for the darkest aspects and very detailed. I wasn't a fan of the little fish's eyes but they are only just one small detail when compared to the beauty found in the whole page.
And although the book is spiritual by nature there is no claiming suggestion as to whether the Great Sea is God, Allah, Buddha, the Great Divine, etc. thus it is quite a flexible book for any and all readers.
This is definitely one book I would call a keeper and would recommend for those who are starting to question the world around themselves.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
September 12, 2020
I was not familiar with Alan W. Watts, and was not aware that this story was originally published back in 1944. This release features beautiful illustrations by Khoa Le. The illustrations interested my grandchildren and we talked about them a lot, however, the text did not. I do believe that this is a wonderful message, but the book is not relatable to young children. The story of this fish getting caught up in thinking about all the things that he does automatically, can be confusing to young children. I do not recommend this one. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
May 22, 2020
I really love the message that this book means to portray to young readers. I love idea of revamping the old parables. Both the words and pictures are beautiful however the writing seems to surpass its intended audience. I fear that because so much would need to be explained to the children reading/listening that the message may end up overlooked or misunderstood.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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March 27, 2021It is here, it is here, it is here!
This tale follows a fish who starts off lost, gets further lost, and finally rediscovers his relationship with the world and who he is.
Having recently read The Book on the Taboo..., the layers implied here readily opened up for me to splendid delights. The artwork by Khoa Lee is filled with living colors and is a wonder to enjoy with the symbols of the tale.
This tale follows a fish who starts off lost, gets further lost, and finally rediscovers his relationship with the world and who he is.
Having recently read The Book on the Taboo..., the layers implied here readily opened up for me to splendid delights. The artwork by Khoa Lee is filled with living colors and is a wonder to enjoy with the symbols of the tale.
March 20, 2020
Actual rating - 2.75.
June 20, 2021
Es increíble toparse con libros tan significativos como éste. En lo personal nos dejó una gran enseñanza.
“El Pez que encontró el Océano”
Alan Watts y Khoa Le
Editorial Kairós
Como todo ser humano, siempre tenemos obstáculos y dificultades a los que enfrentarnos en el día a día, siempre tratamos de resolverlos a nuestra manera, creyendo que así es correcto. No nos damos cuenta de que estamos en nuestro verdadero elemento y solo debemos aprender a danzar en él, dejarnos llevar por el significado real de nuestra esencia.
Nos perdemos en nuestros propios pensamientos, que muchas veces son de miedo, amargura, enfado, confusión, sin comprender que, en lo más profundo, esta esa sabia voz dispuesta a guiarnos.
Nosotros como el pez no nos damos cuenta del lugar dónde estamos, dónde vivimos; no descubrimos que es este mismo lugar el que nos impulsa a estar vivos.
El pez sin el agua no podía nadar ni vivir, pero él no lo advirtió. Creyó que todo era gracias a su propio poder, el poder de nadar arriba, abajo, en la nada; no se daba cuenta del agua, pues esta es transparente.
Pero la confusión no tardó en llegar, como cuando uno se pone a pensar en lo que hace automáticamente, como respirar.
El pez tuvo que escuchar y aprender de lo que el gran océano le enseñó, para así poder ser feliz.
“Hasta ahora”, continuó el gran océano, “creías que lo estabas haciendo todo tú solo, nunca supiste que yo te sostenía durante todo este tiempo. Siempre te lo he dado todo, y, sin embargo, me olvidaste y malgastaste tu tiempo buscando tu propia cola. Pero es en mí donde vives y nadas y por mí que eres capaz de ser un pez; te he dado la profundidad, la altura, la longitud, la grandeza de mí mismo en la que nadar”.
Una parábola que nos enseña que hay que danzar en la alegría de nuestro verdadero elemento.
Las ilustraciones nos van guiando por el mundo del pez, sus arrebatos y el descubrimiento de su inmenso mundo, los colores son increíbles y nos transportan a la inmensidad del océano, lo sentimos de cerca.
Sobre el autor e ilustradora.
Alan Watts (1915-1973) es una de las figuras más asombrosas y controvertidas del pensamiento llamado contracultura. De gran influencia en los convulsos Estados Unidos de los años sesenta, Alan Watts también era un eminente especialista en filosofía oriental. Fue uno de los primeros en traducir la sabiduría oriental al lenguaje de nuestro tiempo, a través de una crítica de la vida cotidiana que cobra cada vez más actualidad.
Khoa Le es una talentosa artista nacida en Vietnam con una obra cargada de una profunda sensibilidad y feminidad, así como una gran creatividad y cierto misterio que envuelven sus trabajos de un áurea mágica entre la inocencia y la madurez. Graduada en la Universidad de Bellas Artes en Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, Khoa Le comienza su carrera artística en el 2002 cuando empieza a hacer ilustraciones para libros. Trabaja tanto el arte digital como el tradicional, utilizando photoshop, un viejo PC y una tableta Wacom para el digital y el aerógrafo lápices y pinceles para el tradicional.
¡Un libro maravilloso, que debe estar en su biblioteca!
La biblioteca de Mari
https://labibliodemari.blogspot.com/
“El Pez que encontró el Océano”
Alan Watts y Khoa Le
Editorial Kairós
Como todo ser humano, siempre tenemos obstáculos y dificultades a los que enfrentarnos en el día a día, siempre tratamos de resolverlos a nuestra manera, creyendo que así es correcto. No nos damos cuenta de que estamos en nuestro verdadero elemento y solo debemos aprender a danzar en él, dejarnos llevar por el significado real de nuestra esencia.
Nos perdemos en nuestros propios pensamientos, que muchas veces son de miedo, amargura, enfado, confusión, sin comprender que, en lo más profundo, esta esa sabia voz dispuesta a guiarnos.
Nosotros como el pez no nos damos cuenta del lugar dónde estamos, dónde vivimos; no descubrimos que es este mismo lugar el que nos impulsa a estar vivos.
El pez sin el agua no podía nadar ni vivir, pero él no lo advirtió. Creyó que todo era gracias a su propio poder, el poder de nadar arriba, abajo, en la nada; no se daba cuenta del agua, pues esta es transparente.
Pero la confusión no tardó en llegar, como cuando uno se pone a pensar en lo que hace automáticamente, como respirar.
El pez tuvo que escuchar y aprender de lo que el gran océano le enseñó, para así poder ser feliz.
“Hasta ahora”, continuó el gran océano, “creías que lo estabas haciendo todo tú solo, nunca supiste que yo te sostenía durante todo este tiempo. Siempre te lo he dado todo, y, sin embargo, me olvidaste y malgastaste tu tiempo buscando tu propia cola. Pero es en mí donde vives y nadas y por mí que eres capaz de ser un pez; te he dado la profundidad, la altura, la longitud, la grandeza de mí mismo en la que nadar”.
Una parábola que nos enseña que hay que danzar en la alegría de nuestro verdadero elemento.
Las ilustraciones nos van guiando por el mundo del pez, sus arrebatos y el descubrimiento de su inmenso mundo, los colores son increíbles y nos transportan a la inmensidad del océano, lo sentimos de cerca.
Sobre el autor e ilustradora.
Alan Watts (1915-1973) es una de las figuras más asombrosas y controvertidas del pensamiento llamado contracultura. De gran influencia en los convulsos Estados Unidos de los años sesenta, Alan Watts también era un eminente especialista en filosofía oriental. Fue uno de los primeros en traducir la sabiduría oriental al lenguaje de nuestro tiempo, a través de una crítica de la vida cotidiana que cobra cada vez más actualidad.
Khoa Le es una talentosa artista nacida en Vietnam con una obra cargada de una profunda sensibilidad y feminidad, así como una gran creatividad y cierto misterio que envuelven sus trabajos de un áurea mágica entre la inocencia y la madurez. Graduada en la Universidad de Bellas Artes en Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, Khoa Le comienza su carrera artística en el 2002 cuando empieza a hacer ilustraciones para libros. Trabaja tanto el arte digital como el tradicional, utilizando photoshop, un viejo PC y una tableta Wacom para el digital y el aerógrafo lápices y pinceles para el tradicional.
¡Un libro maravilloso, que debe estar en su biblioteca!
La biblioteca de Mari
https://labibliodemari.blogspot.com/
May 23, 2020
Many thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Gorgeous artwork! Lyrical story but a bit on the longer side with small text. It's a nice read-aloud but has words and concepts that young listeners and readers might not understand.
My full review was originally shared at Lazy Day Literature on its release date, May 19th!
The Fish Who Found the Sea is about a mixed-up little fish that suddenly finds himself out of sorts, falling and spinning and chasing himself in circles. He feels like it will go on like that forever. Will he find a way to go with the flow again?
This book is gorgeously illustrated with bright colors and has a painting-like quality that I was in awe of. Ocean lovers will especially enjoy the underwater artwork by Khoa Le.
The story is lyrical and makes a good read-aloud. There's also a happy ending!
My little listener enjoyed the art but wasn't very interested in the story. I think this may be because this book is a bit lengthy with small text and has themes that might not be entirely clear to children. There are a lot of intellectually advanced words (like obtruded) and concepts included that I think young readers and listeners will struggle to understand and follow.
I wasn't familiar with the author or this book prior to reading this but have since learned that he brought philosophy and religion to the West in the form of 'zen', or Buddhism, before dying in 1975.
Gorgeous artwork! Lyrical story but a bit on the longer side with small text. It's a nice read-aloud but has words and concepts that young listeners and readers might not understand.
My full review was originally shared at Lazy Day Literature on its release date, May 19th!
The Fish Who Found the Sea is about a mixed-up little fish that suddenly finds himself out of sorts, falling and spinning and chasing himself in circles. He feels like it will go on like that forever. Will he find a way to go with the flow again?
This book is gorgeously illustrated with bright colors and has a painting-like quality that I was in awe of. Ocean lovers will especially enjoy the underwater artwork by Khoa Le.
The story is lyrical and makes a good read-aloud. There's also a happy ending!
My little listener enjoyed the art but wasn't very interested in the story. I think this may be because this book is a bit lengthy with small text and has themes that might not be entirely clear to children. There are a lot of intellectually advanced words (like obtruded) and concepts included that I think young readers and listeners will struggle to understand and follow.
I wasn't familiar with the author or this book prior to reading this but have since learned that he brought philosophy and religion to the West in the form of 'zen', or Buddhism, before dying in 1975.
July 29, 2020
This book is based around the old saying about a fish never noticing the water. The illustrations are bright and appealing, but this is not a book for the usual picture book age group. It's wordy, filled with vocabulary that will sail right over most kids' heads, and at times rather grim. I could see this working for older kids (upper elementary age) and adults, though.
June 13, 2021
Estaaaan bonitooo!! 😭🤍 me encantooo, tiene una enseñanza muy linda!!
August 30, 2020
I give this book 5 stars even though I think it might be a little much for the intended audience, younger children, because I feel it's one of those books that can appeal to all ages, including adults. Alan Watts was an author known for making Eastern philosophy and religion more accessible to Western readers, and this parable of a fish who loses his way by getting to caught up in himself is said to be his only story written for children; it may be true that he wrote this for kids, but I think it serves as a parable suitable for anyone. The fish in the story can't see the water around him, holding him up, giving him plenty of room to move and explore, making way for him and closing behind him to support him. The fish begins to think he swims all on his own, and panics, forgetting how to swim. He decides if he can catch his tail in his mouth, he can pull himself up and keep from sinking into the scary depths. After watching this for a while, the Great Water speaks to him, reminding him he is never alone, the Great Water is there to hold him up and help him swim. Upon realizing this, the fish goes forth happier than ever, exploring the beautiful world around him instead of being wrapped up in himself. The text is written beautifully, but will likely be to long for younger children, but it's worth a shot. Older kids will be more likely to get the message, which is told in such a non-denominational way that it could easily apply to any religion (the Great Water could be God, the Great Spirit, the Goddess, Gaia, the Universe....) or no religion at all (as a metaphor for science and nature around us). The story is a good reminder for all of us to notice the beauty in our surroundings. Speaking of beauty, Khoa Le's art is absolutely stunning, rich with color and detail, expressing the emotion of the story so well! I'd love the frame every illustration for my walls, so I could see them every day, just gorgeous! A wonderful book, in story, message, and illustration!
#TheFishWhoFoundtheSea #NetGalley
#TheFishWhoFoundtheSea #NetGalley
February 12, 2020
"The fish was sure that if he relaxed the chase for a moment he would plunge headlong into the abyss, and so he redoubled his efforts to save himself, in spite of the fact that he became more and more tired and disgusted every minute.
Soon he saw that he was in a hideous dilemma: he must either fall into the abyss or go on chasing his tail. Both alternatives were equally horrifying.
He waved his fins in panic and prepared to die."
This spiritual parable is a wonderful story for older teens and up but I fear the age group that it targets will not work well. The underlying meaning is far too complex for little minds to comprehend. The excerpt from the book that I started with could also be frightening for a young child. The vocabulary in the text is relatively outdated and difficult for kids to understand and do not jive well with the updated, modern, electrical colours of the illustrations. The illustrations on their own are very captivating and well done but do little to enrich the meaning of the text.
The author is recognized as one of the great teacher's of Eastern philosophy to a Western audience. I feel that the philosophical stance presented in this book would be meaningless to this age group. Sorry, but personally I feel that this book will not be a hit with kids and if shared would take a lot of explaining to comprehend the message that the author is trying to convey.
Soon he saw that he was in a hideous dilemma: he must either fall into the abyss or go on chasing his tail. Both alternatives were equally horrifying.
He waved his fins in panic and prepared to die."
This spiritual parable is a wonderful story for older teens and up but I fear the age group that it targets will not work well. The underlying meaning is far too complex for little minds to comprehend. The excerpt from the book that I started with could also be frightening for a young child. The vocabulary in the text is relatively outdated and difficult for kids to understand and do not jive well with the updated, modern, electrical colours of the illustrations. The illustrations on their own are very captivating and well done but do little to enrich the meaning of the text.
The author is recognized as one of the great teacher's of Eastern philosophy to a Western audience. I feel that the philosophical stance presented in this book would be meaningless to this age group. Sorry, but personally I feel that this book will not be a hit with kids and if shared would take a lot of explaining to comprehend the message that the author is trying to convey.
September 16, 2025
It’s a cute little parable (with nice illustrations) about identity, belonging, and spiritual realization.
The little fish searching for the sea… while already being in it.
It’s a metaphor for how we often spend our lives searching for meaning, divinity, or truth outside of ourselves, when the thing we’re seeking is already our essence.
The book aligns itself with some Taoist ideas, especially:
- Non-striving: Taoism emphasizes wu wei, or effortless action. Just like the fish who didn’t need to strive to find the sea, Taoism tells us we don’t need to force life.
- Unity: Everything is interconnected. You can’t separate the wave from the ocean. You are not an outsider to life—you are life.
- Simplicity & paradox: Taoist wisdom often comes through simple, paradoxical truths. “The fish finds the sea by realizing it was never lost.” Classic Tao.
The core message?
You are already part of the universe. You don’t need to seek it externally—because you are it.
Stop seeking, and start being.
The little fish searching for the sea… while already being in it.
It’s a metaphor for how we often spend our lives searching for meaning, divinity, or truth outside of ourselves, when the thing we’re seeking is already our essence.
The book aligns itself with some Taoist ideas, especially:
- Non-striving: Taoism emphasizes wu wei, or effortless action. Just like the fish who didn’t need to strive to find the sea, Taoism tells us we don’t need to force life.
- Unity: Everything is interconnected. You can’t separate the wave from the ocean. You are not an outsider to life—you are life.
- Simplicity & paradox: Taoist wisdom often comes through simple, paradoxical truths. “The fish finds the sea by realizing it was never lost.” Classic Tao.
The core message?
You are already part of the universe. You don’t need to seek it externally—because you are it.
Stop seeking, and start being.
January 16, 2020
A very philosophical young read, and one perhaps not quite balanced enough for the young audience it would get these days, with words like "obtruded". A bright orangey red fish, in the middle of the huge sea, is completely ignorant of what he has and how he has got it, and so gets himself into a right spin in seeking something unnecessary, until the Great Sea reassures him. So is it a metaphor of the rat race, or of self-criticism, or is the Great Sea some kind of God? Apparently this might be older than me, in original text form (the illustrations here, and very nice they are too, are new) – so I won't be the only person to have punned that this is 'deep', much like the sea it's set in. It was perfectly pleasant, but in not nailing down its message I don't think it makes things as clear as they would need to be for the average person that is likely to pick this up and browse based on its visual appeal. Two and a half stars.
May 17, 2020
A conversation about swimming between a fish and the Great Sea.
Cute story about a fish who puts too much thought into swimming and forgets how. He thinks he will fall like a stone unless he can catch his tail. After many tries, the Great Sea steps in to ask the fish what he is doing. Once the fish knows that the Great Sea holds him up and protects him, the little fish swims up and down, to the left and right, with joy.
This is a nice story about others looking out for you even when you don’t realize it. The illustrations are pretty. The only criticism I would have is that the author used the word “obtruded” in a children’s book.
I received an ARC from Sounds True through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
Cute story about a fish who puts too much thought into swimming and forgets how. He thinks he will fall like a stone unless he can catch his tail. After many tries, the Great Sea steps in to ask the fish what he is doing. Once the fish knows that the Great Sea holds him up and protects him, the little fish swims up and down, to the left and right, with joy.
This is a nice story about others looking out for you even when you don’t realize it. The illustrations are pretty. The only criticism I would have is that the author used the word “obtruded” in a children’s book.
I received an ARC from Sounds True through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
April 17, 2024
I'm a big fan of the late Alan W. Watts. I've rediscovered him in the last couple of years from watching clips of him talking on YouTube. I wasn't aware of this book that was published, at least in this format, posthumously in 2020. It's presented as a children's book, but the message is an important one for grown-ups. I'm not sure how well this book would work for young children.
The story is a short animal fable about a fish who forgets how to swim and is trying too hard to not sink by chasing his tail. The fish has to learn to just relax and go with the flow and allow the sea to do its thing to allow him to go where he needs. It's a beautiful book with gorgeous art with an important message for any age - but quite short. You can read it in about 10 minutes.
The story is a short animal fable about a fish who forgets how to swim and is trying too hard to not sink by chasing his tail. The fish has to learn to just relax and go with the flow and allow the sea to do its thing to allow him to go where he needs. It's a beautiful book with gorgeous art with an important message for any age - but quite short. You can read it in about 10 minutes.
January 20, 2020
"The Fish Who Found the Sea," written by Alan Watts and illustrated by Khoa Le was an interesting "children's book" for an adult. The concepts here would be tough for any child under the age of 13 to grasp. Watts is hailed as one of the great teachers of Eastern philosophy to the Western audience. However, the Eastern philosophy presented in this book would be completely lost on most children. Even the vocabulary contained in this book are far beyond most youngsters. I loved the illustrations presented in this book. There are some lovely underwater, ocean scenes created by Ms. Le.
All in all, this book makes for an interesting read for someone interested in learning more about Eastern philosophy, however, the presentation and format geared toward kids just doesn't work.
All in all, this book makes for an interesting read for someone interested in learning more about Eastern philosophy, however, the presentation and format geared toward kids just doesn't work.
February 14, 2020
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
While this book has been marketed as a 'children's book', the words used are very advanced (almost too advanced) for your average picture book reader. The themes and concepts are also quite harsh if it is directed at young children, with a fish forgetting how to swim, this may not be the best idea when swimming for most children is daunting enough without the worry of forgetting how its done or how to breathe.
The pictures were good but as I mentioned the pictures and words just don't go hand in hand. It may work well with older elementary/primary aged students but the wordiness is definitely too much for a younger child to comprehend.
While this book has been marketed as a 'children's book', the words used are very advanced (almost too advanced) for your average picture book reader. The themes and concepts are also quite harsh if it is directed at young children, with a fish forgetting how to swim, this may not be the best idea when swimming for most children is daunting enough without the worry of forgetting how its done or how to breathe.
The pictures were good but as I mentioned the pictures and words just don't go hand in hand. It may work well with older elementary/primary aged students but the wordiness is definitely too much for a younger child to comprehend.
April 1, 2020
A book that stands alone as art. My favorite kind of children's literature. The story is a gentle retelling of parables the world over, for me a recasting of the footprints in the sand, in which a single being begins to feel that they alone are the creator of their destiny and therefore their only saving in times of trouble. While this book does not reference God but a greater being, the retelling works for readers that are faith-based and those that are not. The telling is deftly crafted to be uplifting and reassuring and never heavy-handed. A great book to own, or to give and so calming and reassuring in the times we find ourselves in currently. This book would be a great graduation gift, as well as many other "big transition in life" moments.
January 25, 2024
Another Khoa Le art piece. She sure did use every color of blue you can think of for this book about the sea. It was beautiful as usual.
I think of this story as almost like a parable. It's a teacher story about life. Alan Watts was some preacher from the 1940s and his kids had this story he wrote turned into this picture book. As an adult, it was very deep and there are layers and lots of meaning. I don't know if kids would be all that interested. Maybe. I would be interested to see what a group of kids thought of it.
A fish forgets how to swim for a moment and panics until the great sea calms him down. An odd little story, but so powerful as an adult. It's about running the rat race to my understanding. About stopping and realizing we are all okay. Anyway.
I think of this story as almost like a parable. It's a teacher story about life. Alan Watts was some preacher from the 1940s and his kids had this story he wrote turned into this picture book. As an adult, it was very deep and there are layers and lots of meaning. I don't know if kids would be all that interested. Maybe. I would be interested to see what a group of kids thought of it.
A fish forgets how to swim for a moment and panics until the great sea calms him down. An odd little story, but so powerful as an adult. It's about running the rat race to my understanding. About stopping and realizing we are all okay. Anyway.
April 8, 2020
This picture book is marketed as a ‘delightful and wise teaching parable… about getting into harmony with the flow of life’ and the metaphorical nature of the story is clear from the very beginning. Unfortunately, with the exception of the stunning art work by the incredibly talented Khoa Le, I’m really not sure that the story will engage children. Indeed, I think the message is too mature for children, and the language too clunky for adults. It fell flat for me I’m afraid.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Sounds True Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Sounds True Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2020
A small treasure.
I have heard of Alan Watts many times in my life but have never been fortunate enough to read a book by him. So when I saw this book, I one-clicked it.
This is a children's book and therefore, very short. It can be read in about 5-7 minutes. But the lesson it contains is a vast one and may require many reads.
The illustrations are top-notch and make the book more accessible.
I adored the book. I recommend it to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
I have heard of Alan Watts many times in my life but have never been fortunate enough to read a book by him. So when I saw this book, I one-clicked it.
This is a children's book and therefore, very short. It can be read in about 5-7 minutes. But the lesson it contains is a vast one and may require many reads.
The illustrations are top-notch and make the book more accessible.
I adored the book. I recommend it to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
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