The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is one of those classic children’s books where you hear the name and say, “Oh! I love that book!”
In case you forgot the plot, here’s an overview:
The story is about a beautiful Rainbow Fish. His dazzling, silver scales glittering in the water are the envy of all the sea. He is the most beautiful fish in the ocean.
However, the Rainbow Fish’s beauty has gotten to his head and when a small blue fish asks to have a single scale, the Rainbow Fish patronizes the fish for asking such a ridiclious question. Word of the Rainbow Fish’s rudeness spreads to the rest of the sea and soon, no one will play with him; even though he is the most beautiful fish in the water, now “he is the loneliest fish in the entire ocean.”
When he is swimming around the ocean all by himself, the Rainbow Fish comes across a mysterious octopus. The octopus tells his that the only way he will ever be happy again is to share his scales with all the other fishes.
The Rainbow Fish finally shares one scale, his smallest scale, with the Little Blue Fish…seeing the Little Blue Fish happily playing with the glittering scale, the Rainbow Fish is overcome with joy.
“The Rainbow Fish shared his scales left and right. And the more he gave away, the more delighted he became. When the water around him filled with glimmering scales, he at last felt at home among the other fish.”
He shares all of his scales until he only has one glittering scale left; though he is no longer the most beautiful fish in the ocean, he is now the happiest fish in all of the sea.
Neely's News 
this was one of my favorite books as a child! such a great lesson– it teaches the importance of choosing selflessness over selfishness. it also helps to have such dazzling illustrations to capture the readers’ attention!
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