This was probably my favorite picture book as a kid
This was probably my favorite picture book as a kid
This or The Velveteen Rabbit, which is much older.
I've read this book many times to my kid, and while it was a personal favorite growing up, I can't help but think the message it sends isn't the best. It basically boils down to: if people don't want to be your friend, you should consider changing who you are, and if that doesn't work, try bribing them instead.
E. The Giving Tree is another popular book I am fond of from childhood with a poor message imho. (Take take take no matter the cost to others) but in truth, that book is at least a good metaphor for parenthood as a whole. (We're the tree)
You’re not wrong! But that’s why it’s nostalgia lol I’m looking at it as a kid and through rose tinted glasses. Plus I like the sparkly scales xD
It’s been a long while since I read this book back in the 90s, so I’m not married to my own interpretation. But it could be a lesson in privilege and charity. If you have all the things your community envies, it is healthy to share those things through charity. It’s not just about individuality in appearance, but could be an allegory for wealth and equalization. Like I said, could be way off base since I only remember the gist of it.
No you're pretty much right (it's about sharing, and not being selfish), but the way it's written doesn't make that clear.
I also remembered it as a book symbolizing wealth inequality but the metaphor doesn't work that well.
We got this for our kid and read it to her and we were like uh.... I don't remember that. Our kid loved the book, but, we didnt think it was good to keep reading it.
Edit: Clarification; Rainbow Fish
Not just bribing them. Tearing off pieces of your body because you're so much luckier and prettier and more special, so you should share it with everyone and be less special.
I know the author intended it as a metaphor for sharing, but it really does read as an uncomfortable situation of giving up on your individuality to fit in and on others having a say in your own body / presentation.
I am fond of this book, but I can't betray the hungry caterpillar gang.
I only thing I remember about this book are the shiny scales
Those book was always scary to me.
My coworker, after this book was read during kids' story time: "Everyone in this book needs to grow up, and either get their own bling or get over their jealousy. Rainbow Fish shouldn't need to dim their awesome, shiny self, just to make everyone else feel better."
I haven't looked at this book the same since.
I am curious where on the world the people read it. Because for me it was obvious to know it, as the author lived basically next door. But I never knew it gained popularity outside the German speaking part of Switzerland.
USA/California chiming in. Read it many times to my youngest.
Canada here, read it as a kid
Singapore, vaguely recall this as well
People read it everywhere.
Goodreads page for it: 159K ratings
My partner and I in England read it
Northern Germany, had that book as a kid as well and read it many times.
Read it from Hong Kong as a kid. What was the author like?
Hungry caterpillar was mine. They got to eat so much food, took a big nap, and finally came out looking fabulous without any effort.
There is apparently a website about it (in German): https://regenbogenfisch.com/
Found it in a flea market and bought it for my kids, they love it as well
i Bad it too!! im not even old