My Pet Goldfish - by Catherine Rayner (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In his big tank in the kitchen, Richard the goldfish quickly bonds with--and even learns to recognize--his human companion, who tells him all about his day after school. A visiting friend, Sandy, shares some cool fish facts: Did you know that goldfish nap with their eyes open--because they don't have eyelids? Or that they can let you know they're hungry by swimming up and blowing bubbles? Sandy has a backyard pond filled with goldfish of all shapes and jewel-like colors, some much bigger (and older) than his friend's new pet. What might Richard's own future hold? Drawn in by the expressive illustrations and child-friendly tone, readers will emerge with a new appreciation for the beauty and personality of these classic pets. Kids inspired to care for a goldfish of their own will find a list of things they will need in the back matter."--

Book Synopsis

Follow Richard the growing goldfish from an indoor tank to an outdoor pond in a story filled with gorgeous multilayered illustrations and sprinkled with fascinating facts.

When I was four, I got my first pet: a fish no bigger than my hand, with red and orange scales. My very own goldfish!

In his big tank in the kitchen, Richard the goldfish quickly bonds with--and even learns to recognize--his human companion, who tells him all about his day after school. A visiting friend, Sandy, shares some cool fish facts: Did you know that goldfish nap with their eyes open--because they don't have eyelids? Or that they can let you know they're hungry by swimming up and blowing bubbles? Sandy has a backyard pond filled with goldfish of all shapes and jewel-like colors, some much bigger (and older) than his friend's new pet. What might Richard's own future hold? Drawn in by the expressive illustrations and child-friendly tone, readers will emerge with a new appreciation for the beauty and personality of these classic pets. Kids inspired to care for a goldfish of their own will find a list of things they will need in the back matter.

Review Quotes

The mixed media illustrations of the goldfish and their aquatic environs are lively and ethereal, conveying a sense of drifting underwater movement. . . . An effective pairing of story and fact makes the common goldfish shine bright.
--School Library Journal

An appealing introduction to a common household pet. . . . The lovely and delicate mixed-media illustrations sparkle with color; we see Richard, other fish, bubbles, and aquatic plants drift serenely in gentle waters. . . Delightful.
--Kirkus Reviews

Lovely. . . gives useful tips on raising goldfish.
--Booklist

Rayner's art is particularly striking. . . This would be a good choice for any kid looking to get a goldfish.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Catherine Rayner is the illustrator of many books for young readers and has won many awards for her artwork, including the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives in Scotland, and the fish in this book is based on her own pet goldfish named Richard.