The Pout-Pout Fish

By Deborah Diesen, Dan Hanna (illustrator),

Book cover of The Pout-Pout Fish

Book description

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

"Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.

Can his pals cheer him up?
Will his pout ever end?
Is there something he can learn
From an unexpected friend?"

Swim along with the pout-pout fish…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Pout-Pout Fish as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I must have read this book aloud to children at least fifty times, and I never got tired of reading it. The words have such a wonderful cadence to them. The children will get caught up in the rhythm and rhyme.

I loved the message of not only being able to change your life by changing your attitude, but also the way another fish helps him see that. I think that it’s sometimes hard to be kind to grumpy people, and this book shows that it’s worth the effort. 

From Terri's list on create a world of kindness.

Pout-Pout fish is a grumpy looking, grumpy acting fish who “spreads the dreary-wearies all over the place” and everyone he encounters tries to talk him out of being grumpy. Simple as that, but not! The Pout-Pout Fish books, every one of them, combines three elements that make a fabulous read-aloud: fun/interesting to look at; fun and easy to read; fun satisfying ending. Diesen’s Pout-Pout bouncy rhyming rhythm will jolly the grumpy out of everyone—whether fish or human. Yes, the refrain will get stuck in your heads—in a good way!

From Kelly's list on “finny” picture books about fish.

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Wagnificent by Bethanie Deeney Murguia,

Discover a new early middle-grade graphic novel series full of humor and heart about a lovable dog, her favorite human, and their pawsome pack in this unforgettable friendship story. Though Thunder wants to be good for Sage, she’s having a rough time stopping herself from doing things she knows are…

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Interested in fish, friendships, and attitude?

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