The Pout-Pout Fish

by Deborah Diesen
The Pout-Pout Fish cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Children's Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Board book • £5.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6622
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781429916332
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
  • Published: 2008-03-18
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Pout-Pout Fish is a delightful children's book that combines bright ocean colors and playful rhymes to tell the story of Mr. Fish, who swims around with a permanent pout. His friends try to cheer him up, and he eventually learns that spreading gloom isn't his true nature. This New York Times bestseller is part of a popular series and has been adapted into a major motion picture. The book's engaging illustrations and rhythmic text make it a fun and educational read for young children, teaching them about emotions and the importance of positivity./n/nThe Pout-Pout Fish series has expanded to include various adventures and themes, such as overcoming fears, dealing with bullies, and even cleaning up the ocean. Each book maintains the same charming style and valuable life lessons, making them a favorite among parents and educators alike. The series has been praised for its ability to turn pouts into smiles and has become a staple in many children's libraries.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-23
wonderful 4.50

This book is a favorite for read-alouds, especially with preschool-aged children. It introduces engaging vocabulary and has a charming, rhythmic narrative.

This book is a standout choice for read-aloud sessions, particularly with preschoolers. The rhythmic narrative and engaging vocabulary make it a delightful experience for both children and adults. The story's simplicity and charm ensure that it captures the attention of young listeners, making it a beloved addition to any storytime routine. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Quick quotes

    This book is one of my all-time favorite read-alouds.

    It works best with kids who are at least preschool aged.

    The book introduces some great vocabulary words.

Bowen Island Under Current · 2017-12-18
good 3.50

The book is enjoyed for teaching children the names of sea creatures and the vivid illustrations. It's a dreary fish story that has been a favorite for years.

This reviewer has been reading The Pout-Pout Fish to their child for years, appreciating the way it introduces young readers to various sea creatures. The illustrations are bright and vivid, bringing the story to life. However, they describe the fish as very dreary, which might not appeal to everyone. It's a simple tale that has become a favorite in their household, likely due to its educational value and engaging pictures.

Quick quotes

    This fish was very dreary, and.

    I have enjoyed reading this to Isla few years because it taught her the names of sea creatures and the pictures ...

Homegrown Reader · 2016-06-16
great 4.00

The illustrations bring the fun and witty verses to life, making it enjoyable to read aloud. The book is praised for its bright and vivid illustrations.

This reviewer appreciates the bright and vivid illustrations in The Pout-Pout Fish, which bring the fun and witty verses to life. It's a joy to read aloud, and the visuals enhance the overall experience. The story is engaging and the illustrations are a standout feature, making it a favorite for both the reviewer and their child. The combination of text and imagery creates a delightful reading experience that is both entertaining and educational.

Quick quotes

    The illustrations really bring to life these fun and witty verses and I enjoy reading it to him.

    The book has these bright vivid illustrations ...

Research Parent · 2015-07-10
educational 4.50

The book is praised for its rhyming, lyrical, and repetitive quality, which makes it perfect for preschoolers. The reviewer also appreciates the book's bright, colorful pictures and its ability to help children learn about kindness and friendship.

This review highlights the book's rhyming, lyrical, and repetitive quality, which makes it perfect for preschoolers. The reviewer praises the book for its bright, colorful pictures and its ability to help children learn about kindness and friendship. They also mention how the book's message is conveyed in a way that's easy for young children to understand and relate to. The reviewer suggests that the book is a great choice for parents who want to introduce their children to the concept of kindness and friendship in a fun and engaging way. Overall, the reviewer praises the book for its ability to entertain and educate young children simultaneously.

Quick quotes

    It has a rhyming, lyrical, repetitive quality with bright, colorful pictures that make it perfect for preschoolers.

    What I loved most about this book is its ability to help children learn about kindness and friendship.

    The book's message is conveyed in a way that's easy for young children to understand and relate to.

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