STORYTELLING: 3.5/5 ILLUSTRATIONS: 4/5 MORAL VALUE: 3.5/5 OVERALL: 3.5/5
Though I like reading children’s fiction and nonfiction, especially so since I started reading to my daughter, but it’s been quite a while since I last read a book meant for early readers. They say variety is the spice of life, and so here I was sitting down to read Aslam Hameed’s children’s fiction The Loser Fish, with eager anticipation.
First Impressions
When it comes to children’s books there are certain factors that often have a considerable impact on any reader. These decisive factors include – the cover and the blurb. With a cover as gorgeous as this one and a blurb that’s equally engaging if not more, the book easily catches the eye.
The blurb tells us that the story is one of hope and motivation, while the cover hints at the colourful adventures (pun intended) that lie ahead. Thus, as far as first impressions go, The Loser Fish creates a mighty good one.
Who can read?
The book is written for early readers starting from age 4 through 7. Though the information on the Amazon website says it is meant for children between ages 5 and 10 years, I would mostly recommend it to those in the aforementioned age bracket. It can also be read to children who are even younger (2.5+ years) by their parents.
What is the story all about?
Lulu is a beautiful fish who is about to participate in the fish racing event this year. When during the practice races, Lulu fairs badly in the overall results, he is teased by other participants for his below-par performance. Ridiculed, and dejected, he loses all hopes and communicates his gloomy feelings to his father, when his father gives him a life lesson that would last him a lifetime.
What did I like the best?
The illustrations are mighty impressive. Colourful, vibrant, and oh so fun. They manage to wow the reader right from the very first page. From the different fishes to the brightly coloured coral reefs, to the deep-sea background, the illustrations are indeed eye-catching.
The many lessons to learn
The book has many lessons to teach its young readers, the most important of which is to never lose hope. Hope is what keeps us going forward, even when everything in life might be dragging us backward.
Also, it not just acts as an introduction to sea life and the sea world but also teaches us some other important lessons by telling us to refrain from engaging in bullying, teasing, and other such negative activities.
The writing
Though the story is short, crisp, and engaging from an early reader’s perspective, as a book reviewer and voracious reader, I cannot help but notice that the writing needs some polishing. It appears amateurish but that part doesn’t get too obvious.
Pick the book if
- You are looking for a children’s fiction between 4 to 7 years.
- You are looking for a colourful book about the sea world.
- You like stories that carry moral lessons.
Skip the book if
- If you are looking for a children’s fiction for advanced reading levels.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Loser Fish using the link below.
