The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister (1992, Hardcover, Translation)

We bought the rainbow Fish as we were drawn to the simply beautiful illustrations and learnt that there was a message inside though it could have been delivered in a better way!
The Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful Fish in the sea - his scale are of many beautiful colors and among them, are shiny silver scales that not only shine out in the sea but also stand out of the pages of the book thanks to foil embellishments!
However, the where the Fish is beautiful in looks, he lacks in attitude and behavior. All the other fish call after him and want some of his special scales, but his reaction is rather rude: "You want me to give you one of my special scales? Who do you think you are? Stay away from me"....this is I feel a little harsh. I understand that the author is trying to convey a message but I am not so sure this was the best way to do so for the 4-8 year old age group - the demographic to which this book is intended!
The Fish soon learns he may be beautiful...but what use is this with no friends? And there begins a tale of sharing , the book does turn around at this point to becoming a warm happy tale!
I think if you were reading the book to the younger end of the intended age group, then parents could adapt the story a little into words that are more age appropriate. But the story of sharing is a good one that every child needs to learn - and the beautiful artwork does make this an enjoyable way on conveying the message!