Visual humor sweetens an artful tale about a fish who suddenly sees everything a new way — thanks to a charismatic companion.
Paul is a fish who used to go around in circles. He made big circles and little circles. He circled from left to right and from right to left. He circled from top to bottom and from bottom to top. What else was there to do? Until one day Bernadette drops in and shows Paul that there is a whole world out there, right outside his bowl, with so many things to see. A banana-shaped boat! A blue elephant with a spoutlike trunk (be quiet when she’s feeding her babies)! A lovely lunetta butterfly, with tortoise-shell rims! Simple saturated paintings play off this charming ode to an active imagination — and the way that life changes when a bewitching creature opens your eyes.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Fish are still Fish
By Jason Kirkfield
Paul meets Bernadette, the 2013 debut from Parisian artist Rosy Lamb, provides a lovely modern bookend to Leo Lionni's classic Fish is Fish.Goldfish Paul spends his life, not unhappily, swimming in circles. Then one day he gets a tank-mate: "One day, Bernadette dropped in." (Dropped out of a plastic bag from the pet store, no doubt.) Bernadette has seen much more of the world; her knowledge is vast yet suspect. Or perhaps she simply needs a pair of glasses (goggles?). Paul, however, is willing to accept her opinions along with her companionship.Lots of touching and funny vignettes: teacups and eggs, respectively, plus the spoon of course. Don't miss the back cover, either! The oil paintings in this debut picture book are splendiferous. More than simply telling this story, they provide a wonderful introduction to art. Oil is such a tactile medium, and these paintings are reproduced in very high quality and look almost good enough to touch.In addition to the aforementioned artwork, this is an excellent example of how friends need not be perfect. Perfect for your nursery bookshelf.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful.I love this sweet book!
By J. Lamb
It is so magical and beautiful and reminds me of how love and imagination transform our world. Best book of the year.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.Charming Book!
By Amy G.
Paul is a goldfish. He swims around his bowl all day, evidently not giving life much thought. Then Bernadette arrives and life becomes much more colorful! Bernadette introduces Paul to the wonders outside their bowl: a pair of glasses becomes a wonderful butterfly, a spoon is a fish, and food packages are a whole city (Milkwaukee, of course) in Bernadette's lively interpretations. This is a wonderful picture book for children, especially about ages 5+ who will "get" the humor, but younger ones will enjoy the simple story of friendship. It also would be a wonderful engagement, wedding, or anniversary gift!
