This book is such a giggle.

We start off quite seriously. A picture of a snake. We’re told this animal is cold-blooded, with dry, scaly skin. It lays eggs and is a reptile. This is followed by a bird. Anything with feathers is a bird. That’s easy.

Next is a fish. But we’re suddenly told, ‘DON’T TRUST FISH!’

The author tries to pinpoint what a fish is. But they are slippery. Fish don’t follow rules, like feathers. Some have gills, other lungs, some live in salt water, others in fresh water. Then we meet Jeff. He’s a fish. We think he’s their leader. Don’t trust Jeff! We learn a group of fish is called a school. But really, what are they learning in these schools? Don’t trust fish! Some fish use bioluminescence to attract smaller fish. ‘It’s also called “cheating!”.’ Fish have tricky disguises too. Cat fish and tiger sharks! Ships always seem to sink at sea. Isn’t that suspicious? Don’t trust fish.

Reading this book is sure to plaster a smile all over your face. The story works on many levels with adults getting just as much out of the book as the littlies. The illustrations from Caldecott Medalist winning Dan Santat are just fabulous. They are crisp and clear and add to the hilarity.

Don’t Trust Fish is unexpected, surprising, quirky and simply funny. It’s just clever and quite ridiculous.

Don’t miss it.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens

Age Guide 4+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neil Sharpson lives in Dublin with his wife and their two children. Having written for theatre since his teens, Neil transitioned to writing novels in 2017, adapting his play The Caspian Sea into When The Sparrow Falls. A huge fan of animation, Neil writes Unshaved Mouse, a comedic review blog mostly focusing on animated film and comic book movies.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Dan Santat is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator.

His picture book, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, won the 2015 Caldecott Medal for distinguished illustration. He also wrote The Guild of Geniuses and created the Disney Channel animated series The Replacements.

He lives in Southern California with his wife, two children and various pets.