The grumpiest fish in children’s literature is back with another case of “the dreary wearies.” This time, Mr. Fish, star of The New York Times bestselling Pout-Pout Fish series, is down in the dumps over holiday shopping. This post does contain affiliate links.
With a message for readers of all ages, The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish finds Mr. Fish so consumed with buying the perfect gift for each of his friends that he forgets the true meaning of the holidays:
“A gift should be big,And a gift should be bright.And a gift should be perfect—Guaranteed to bring delight.And a gift should have meaning,Plus a bit of bling-zing,So I’ll shop till I dropFor each just-right thing.”
When Mr. Fish—with his signature Pout-Pout Fish frown—comes up empty-handed, Miss Shimmer intervenes with a plan to make homemade gifts. He soon learns that it’s not about busting the budget or gifting the season’s hottest item, but giving from the heart. Together they experience the joy that comes from giving and sharing—the merriest gifts of all.
Written by former bookseller and librarian Deborah Diesen with illustrations by veteran children’s artist Dan Hanna, The Pout-Pout Fish was a 2008 Time Magazine “Top Ten Children’s Book.” Since then, Mr. Fish has won over the hearts of millions of young readers as he Goes to School, faces the Big-Big Dark, learns to Smile, discovers how to Dream, and plays Hide-and-Seek. Today there are more than 2.5 million Pout-Pout Fish books in print.
About the Author & Illustrator
Deborah Diesen grew up in Midland, Michigan, and started writing poems at a young age. She has worked as a bookseller and a librarian, and now works for a small nonprofit organization, but her greatest joy comes from writing for children. She lives with her family in Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Dan Hanna has over ten years experience in the animation industry, and his work has appeared on BBC America and the Cartoon Network. He lives in Oxnard, California.
Praise for the Pout-Pout Fish series
“Hanna’s cartoonish ocean realm is full of details for both children and adults […] Diesen tackles a worry not often found in back-to-school books; young Mr. Fish will ease children’s fears about what will be expected of them.” – Kirkus Reviews
“This is a good choice for young children, and a nice introduction to talking about emotions and how others perceive you.” – Parents’ Choice
Book Tour Schedule
Author Deborah Diesen
- November 14, 3pm – Square Books, Oxford, MS
- November 16, 3:30pm – Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC
- November 18, 4pm – Vero Beach Book Center, Vero Beach, FL
- November 19, 7pm – Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
- November 20, 4pm – Octavia Books, New Orleans, LA
Illustrator Dan Hanna
- November 15, 11am – WORD Books, Jersey City, NJ
- November 16, 4pm – Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, KY
- November 17, 4:30pm – Towne Book Center & Cafe, Collegeville, PA
- November 18, 4:30pm – Cover to Cover, Columbus, OH
- November 19, 4:30pm – Lake Forest Books, Lake Forest, IL
- November 21, 12pm – Anderson’s Book Shop, Naperville, IL
- November 21, 2pm – Anderson’s Book Shop, La Grange, IL
Learn more at www.poutpoutfish.com.
The Giveaway!
One Not So Average Mama reader will win a copy of The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish!
Please allow a moment for the giveaway form to load. Giveaway is open to residents of the USA only. This giveaway ends on November 28th, 2015!
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Girl on Fire
Photographer at Loudmouth Photography
Brandy is the wife to a carpenter/musician and the mother of 3 amazingly awesome homeschool/unschooled girls. Brandy is a Photographer as well as a Coach for the Weebellion as part of Rolling Rebellion Jr. Roller Derby. Brandy is passionate about many things and suffers from a very painful and degenerative neurological disease called CRPS/RSD.
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I would give this book to my niece and nephews. My niece especially she is known to pout
I would like to give this to my daughter
I would love to give this book to my daughter – she loves the Pout Pout Fish!
I’d give it to my 7 yr old son who loves the pout pout fish.
I would give this to my nephew for Christmas.
I would give this book to my nephews
I would love to read this book with my youngest son,
I would gift this book to my nephew.