The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark, by Deborah Diesen is a book that teaches kids to come together, use their voice and stand up for what they believe is right. The Pout-Pout Fish and his friends find strength in numbers when they confront a bully shark. Together they teach the shark how to play fair and be a good friend. I love how this books shows kids the importance of using their words and the power words can hold. ( )

Shark acts badly and mean. Mr. Fish finds a way to stop the big bully and makes a friend.

Mr. Fish returns in this sixth picture-book devoted to his underwater adventures, this time confronting a situation with a playground bully. Having fun with his friends one day, our piscine hero is dismayed when a disrespectful shark breaks in and mistreats the smaller creatures. At each new instance of bad behavior, Mr. Fish feels unhappy, but isn't sure just what to do. Then he realizes that although he is only one fish, and a small one at that, his voice doesn't have to be small...

Like its predecessors, The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark pairs a rhyming text with colorful artwork. Although not quite the equal of some of the earlier titles - somehow I found the text here a little awkward - I do think this would make a fairly good read-aloud, especially for those looking for stories that address the issue of bullying. The refrain - "Shark acted badly. / Being mean in wrong. / But I'm just one fish! / Am I really that strong?" - continually highlights the central dilemma of the story, making the conclusion, in which Mr. Fish finds his voice, all the more significant. Recommended to fans of the Pout-Pout Fish books, as well as to anyone looking for children's stories about dealing with bullying in a constructive fashion. ( )

Hardback Papercover