First off, a bit of an explanation to make things make sense more! I have no children so what am I doing reviewing a children's book, well... In my previous job I was a youth and children's worker and led assemblies in primary schools and this book has been used by myself lots of time and there are so many reason why.

First off though a bit of a plot summary. Our title character is The Rainbow fish and is the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with shimmering shiny scales. He is admired by the other fish for these shine beautiful scales and he loves the attention it brings him. The other fish try and make friends with him but he thinks he is so much better than them. After a while a small fish asks him for one of his shiny scales, so he too can also sine and shimmer in the sea. In an act of selfishness the rainbow fish says no. This type of scenario happens again and after time the other fish and sea creatures start to not like him. Upset by this he seeks the advice of a wise old octopus whose advice is simple - share! With that the rainbow fish begins to share his shiny scales and becomes befriended by the other sea creatures leading to a happy ending.

Now why do I like this book? Well first the story is wonderfully simple and beautifully told, by the author, Marcus Pfister. The messages within this book such as how selfishness can make others feel about you and the dangers of vanity is wonderfully put, and in a way even the youngest children can understand. I have also used it with the older primary aged children aged 10 and even though the story is perhaps aimed at younger children they still loved it.

The book is wonderful to look at and has wonderful full page colour illustrations. The shiny scales are beautifully done using a shiny material which makes the rainbow fish's scale really stand out.

Overall this is a wonderful, richly illustrated book which tells a good story and has lovely lessons for life, A must for any children's book collection.