Fish Don't Go to School

Henry wears his wonderful fish suit everywhere – it has shiny scales, flippery fins and a long swishy tail; it feels like wearing a hug. So when Henry starts school, he wears his fish suit even though he is told ‘Fish don’t go to school’. While it certainly makes him feel good, there are aspects that prove more difficult. No one sits next to him at circle time, he is able to paint with his fins but he cannot cut out his pictures. A tail isn’t very good for scrambling through tunnels – so maybe his teacher could look after it and swapping his fish head for cat ears is a good move at storytime. Will he wear his suit again? Well certainly – a lovely top made of shiny scales – it feels like wearing a hug.

An attractive story about that all-important moment of starting school, of leaving the familiar behind to face the unknown. Of course a hug is necessary. The author taps into the pattern of the school day as Henry moves from sitting by himself to gradually finding the confidence to join in – even to support a new friend. The familiarity will be enjoyed by her audience both affirming what has already been the experience and helping those still unsure. Her illustrations done in a mixture of gouache and watercolour add to this atmosphere, the colours creating both warmth and a strong sense of place. Interest and rhythm are introduced through varying expansive double page spreads with vignettes set against a white ground and single page images allowing different perspectives and attention to details. A reassuring story to add to stock.