Upside Down Fish

by Kate Louise

Upside-down Fish lives in a big tank at a pet store filled with lots of other fish. The other fish in the tank swim the right-way up, though, and they don’t understand why Upside-down Fish is so different. This makes him very lonely. One day, a child comes into the store and chooses Upside-down Fish as a pet. He is anxious that he won’t be accepted in his new tank, but much to his surprise, the new fish are friendly! They love that he is different and want to know what it’s like to have the sky below and the ground above. Upside-down Fish realizes that it’s okay to be different—it’s what makes him so special.Kate Louise and Laura Matine’s The Upside-Down Fish is about being yourself and finding happiness with people who accept you for who you are. Inspired by the author’s own upside-down fish, this is a book for any child who feels a little different and needs that extra boost of confidence that he or she is unique.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

Kate Louise is picture book author of THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH, PIERRE THE FRENCH BULLDOG RECYCLES, and TOUGH COOKIE. She lives in the UK with her family, her partner, and a cocker spaniel called Freddie. She graduated from university with a first class degree in Fine Art Painting. It was during this course that Kate rediscovered her love of reading, prompting her to try a new creative angle and experiment with writing.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Upside-Down Fish is a beautiful story about a fish that is not like all the other fish. If you haven’t already guessed this fish is upside down and upset that no-one wants to take him home. It’s not until a little girl decides she wants to buy him because of him being upside that the little fish truly discovers what it’s like to find a home and really fit into the world.

This is a remarkable and touching story about being socially accepted and I love message behind it and how relatable people will find it.

Reading this with my 4 year old was really an enjoyable moment. I adore stories that teach her that not everyone is the same and she clearly understood this while reading it. I loved seeing the expressions on her face during the story. I could see the sadness on her face when the upside-down fish was upset and I could see the happiness on her face when we reached the end of the story, and I love how she questions things about the story. It’s simple, we both fell in love with The Upside-Down Fish. Not only is the story memorable but it has beautiful, bright and bold illustrations that complements the story perfectly.

In all, The Upside-Down Fish is a fantastic read to enjoy with little ones but it’s one adult can enjoy to! Highly recommended.

Thank you to Kate Louise for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie Petrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently won The Upside-Down Fish from a Goodreads Giveaway and I feel so blessed to have won it! This storybook will make an excellent addition to my classroom library. It is a tale about a fish who finds his home and belonging in the world when a little girl finally chooses him to take with her even though he is different from all the other fish. 5 stars for a fantastic, young children's tale with a positive message.

[G.R. Mannering · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, charming picture book by debut author, Kate Louise. THE UPSEIDE-DOWN FISH is a tale that values eccentricity and social acceptance. A gorgeous item to add to any bookcase collection (young or old) - the illustrations by Laura Matine are perfectly apt and incredibly endearing. This is sure to be a favourite with little ones!

[Patricia Kaniasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book. Another 5 star book.

[Regina L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upside-down Fish sees the world differently than other fish. This is because he swims upside-down! In his world, the clouds are below and the ground is above. He is self-conscious about this unique trait. Being one of a kind starts to feel lonely when the fish in his tank at the pet store don’t play with him and children don’t choose him for their pet. Upside-down Fish’s world is about to turn around thanks to a little girl who chooses him for her pet and brings him to a friendly tank to call home with lots of fish who appreciate his uniqueness!

Author Kate Louise has written book that offers a great message about embracing your own differences and those of your friends and being confident in who you are. Others will accept you and if they don’t, stay true to yourself until better friends come along! The illustrations by Laura Matine are colorful, friendly silly and fun. The font size is great for beginning readers. The story is short and enjoyable for all ages, especially for those that may need an extra boost of confidence, just like the Upside-down Fish himself! Read more at www.diapers-and-daydreams.com !

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upside Down Fish floats differently from the rest of the fish tank and they exclude him because of it, customers don't seem to want a funny fish either. Then one day in walks a little girl who thinks he's perfect just the way he is and brings him to a new home but will the other fish in the tank welcome him or will they think he's too different to? An interesting look at learning to respect each other's differences. Good book for story time since you can get them to try to see the world at, literally, a new angle.

[Jenn Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The upside-down fish lives in a pet store and nobody wants him because he is not like the other fish. Then a little girl comes along and buys him and he finally feels accepted. This story was adorable and my daughter enjoyed the illustrations a lot. Would recommend.

[Jorey]

Summary:
This book is about Upside-Down Fish! Upside-Down Fish is a fish who swims upside down instead of right side up! In the pet store, all the other fish ignore Upside-Down Fish and nobody ever wants to take Upside-Down Fish home! That changes when a little girl picks Upside-Down Fish to go home with her! In his new tank, Upside-Down Fish meets some new friends and learns that it's okay to be different!

Activity:
A fun activity to do with this book would be for the students to pretend that they are Upside-Down Fish! Students could pretend that they were looking at the world upside down! How would the world look? What would be harder to do upside down? What would be easier to do upside down? This would also be a great book to facilitate discussion about how our differences make us unique and that it's okay to be different!

Citation:
Louise, K., & Matine, L. (2015). The Upside-Down Fish. New York: Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.