Wow. Way to give kids the message that they have to smile on demand for anyone. ( )

This is a simple, rhyming board book with one sentence or phrase on each page. It begins “Smile, Mr. Fish!/You look so down/With your glum-glum face/And your pout-pout frown.” The rhythm and rhyme is kept throughout the book and pulls the reader forward. Accompanied by evocative, soft pastel pictures, the story exposes toddlers to a variety of emotions. The words and illustrations are funny and sweet. Children are delighted when the book ends with, “Now you look happy: What a smile, Mr. Fish!”

My 20-month-old granddaughter loved this book from the first read although it took a bit of discussion for her to understand words like glum and smooch. But she quickly became attached to the big-eyed sad fish.

It’s difficult to find such engaging and appropriate books for children under the age of two. ( )

Adorable, short, sweet and little baby hands friendly! Pout-Pout Fish is a new favorite in this house!

My older boys, 8 and 10 years old, found Pout-Pout Fish to be quite amusing. They enjoyed the simple story and amazing illustrations. And the trailer, is quite catchy. They have been singing it non-stop for their baby brother for weeks now.
My youngest is almost 8 months old - the board book is small enough for him to sit with and easily flip the pages. He stares and giggles, especially when we read the one line sentences on each page with a funny voice to fit Mr. Fish's mood.

What I love most about Deborah Diesen's books is that they're so easy for small children to follow along and remember. After a few reads they're sure to memorize the story and can follow along by pointing to the words, helping them to learn how to read at an earlier age.
We also love Dan Hanna's whimsical pictures that fit the story perfectly without too much detail or overwhelming colors.

Remember, no matter what, you can always make a pouty face smile - especially with Mr. Fish around! ( )