The magic fish book is a captivating tale that takes readers on a journey of imagination and wonder. It tells the story of a young girl named Lily who discovers a mysterious book in her attic. This book, unlike any other, has the ability to transport readers into the world of its stories. As Lily opens the book and begins to read, she is instantly transported to an underwater kingdom filled with vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. She encounters talking fish, mermaids, and other magical creatures that teach her valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. Throughout the story, Lily learns that the power of imagination knows no bounds.
"[Fairy tales] feel like they're people, almost. I love the notion that a fairy tale is something that can exist in multiple places, or that it moves from place to place and it changes clothes depending on the culture in which it finds itself and it changes its priorities," Nguyen said.
Nguyen was also drawn to fairy tales because of their commonalities across cultures, and that it highlights that storytelling is a universal, communal phenomenon. Nguyen was also drawn to fairy tales because of their commonalities across cultures, and that it highlights that storytelling is a universal, communal phenomenon.
Throughout the story, Lily learns that the power of imagination knows no bounds. With each turn of the page, she continues to be amazed by the enchanting world that the book reveals. The book becomes her portal to a world where anything is possible, and her mind becomes a canvas for endless adventures.
THE MAGIC FISH
Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones.
While Tiến is fluent in English, his Vietnamese refugee parents are not, leaving them struggling at times for a shared language.
Tiến’s mom, Hiền, asks him to read aloud the fairy tales he checks out from the library; they both love them, and she can use them to practice English. When Tiến selects “Tattercoats,” his seamstress mother tells him that there is a Vietnamese version that her own mother told her, long ago. As he reads the story of love, longing, and travel across a sea, Hiền is reminded of family she left behind in Vietnam while Tiến tries to navigate his own first love, a boy he is friends with. Le Nguyen’s gorgeous, flowing, detailed illustrations deftly weave Vietnamese and Western fairy-tale worlds together with Hiền’s memory of her past and Tiến’s struggle over coming out. The rich color palette highlights both the layers within each panel as well as serving as a road map for readers by indicating whether the panels are set in the present, the past, or within the fairy tale. This clever use of color smooths the way for the sophisticated embedding of stories within a story that highlights the complex dynamics between first-generation and second-generation family members. Warm, loving family and friends are a refreshing alternative to immigrant stories that focus on family problems.
Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones. (author’s note, notes about the illustrations, bonus artwork) (Fiction. 13-17)
Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-12529-8
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones.
But as Lily delves deeper into the book's stories, she realizes that the magic comes with a price. Each time she enters the book, a small piece of her essence is left behind. It becomes a delicate balance between her desire to explore the magical world and her need to remain grounded in reality. As the story progresses, Lily discovers the true meaning behind the book's enchantment. It is not just a tool for entertainment but a reminder of the power that lies within each individual. It teaches her that true magic exists within oneself, and that imagination is not just a means of escape, but a catalyst for personal growth. In the end, Lily puts the book away, knowing that it will always hold a special place in her heart. It taught her to cherish her own imagination and to embrace the magic that lies within her. The magic fish book becomes a symbol of the limitless potential that resides in all of us. As readers journey through the pages of The Magic Fish Book, they too are reminded of the power of imagination and the importance of embracing one's inner magic. It is a tale that captivates readers of all ages and inspires them to believe in the extraordinary..
Reviews for "The Magic Fich Book: A Tool for Self-Transformation"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed in "The Magic Fish Book". The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The concept of the magic fish was interesting, but it wasn't developed enough to truly engage me as a reader. The writing style was also a bit bland and didn't captivate my attention. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Emily - 3/5 stars - I had mixed feelings about "The Magic Fish Book". While the premise was intriguing, I found the pacing to be slow and the plot predictable. The characters were also forgettable and I didn't feel a strong connection to any of them. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural at times. While the book had its moments, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
3. James - 2/5 stars - "The Magic Fish Book" failed to live up to its hype for me. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The plot twists were predictable and left little room for surprises. I also found the writing style to be overly simplistic, which made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The book had potential, but it fell flat in execution.
4. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I wasn't impressed by "The Magic Fish Book". The characters were unlikeable and their actions often didn't make sense. The dialogue was awkward and didn't flow naturally. The pacing was slow, making it hard for me to stay engaged. Overall, it felt like the book was trying too hard to be clever and unique, but it missed the mark for me. I was left underwhelmed and uninterested in the outcome of the story.
5. Michael - 1/5 stars - I couldn't get into "The Magic Fish Book" at all. The writing was overly descriptive and lacked substance. The plot was confusing and didn't hold my attention. The characters were flat and unrelatable. I found myself skimming through the pages just to finish it. Overall, it was a disappointing read and I wouldn't recommend it to others.