Memoirs of a Goldfish

Author:      Devin Scillian, 2010, Sleeping Bear Press
Illustrator:  Tim Bowers
Picture Book

If you are looking for a good laugh, check out Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian.  I must admit this was the funniest picture book I had ever read!  A goldfish--one day alone in a bowl, next day surrounded by other fish and excitement--just wants peace and quiet again.  He finally tells the others that he has had enough and wants his privacy back.  Leave him they do, and he leaves too, while the tank is being cleaned.

But while everyone is separated, he realizes how much he misses them--including the noise, the gunk, and even Fred the crab.  To his delight, they are reunited again in an even bigger tank.

This is a must-read for everyone.  I am typically an independent, introverted person who likes to work alone.  Therefore, I identified with the goldfish.  However, I know the feeling of loneliness when one is alone for a period of time, and I was so glad the main character in this story wanted his friendships back, too.  This is a great story to teach those independent students how to value their friendships even more than they already may.  I loved the pictures, and they did a great job of adding meaning to the story.

Check it out right away, and make sure there is a box of tissues close.  You will cry with laughter, and you are sure to delight your school children with this story of a humorous school of fish!