ANNOTATION

When a big blue whale comes to live near their reef, there is a misunderstanding between him and Rainbow Fish and his friends that leaves everyone very unhappy and hungry.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When a big blue whale comes to live near their reef, there is a misunderstanding between him and Rainbow Fish and his friends that leaves everyone very unhappy and hungry.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-The winsome and sensible fish who stole preschoolers' hearts in Rainbow Fish (1992) and Rainbow Fish to the Rescue (1995, both North-South) has returned. In this story, Rainbow Fish and his friends must share their food and their space with a gentle old whale who comes to their reef. The fish with the jagged scales complains that the blue whale is watching them, and soon everyone views the large mammal as an enemy. After a skirmish in which the whale scares all of the little fish into a cave, Rainbow Fish realizes that it is up to him to approach the larger animal and make peace. A heart-to-heart talk between the two reveals that the whale watched the fish only because he admired their beauty. Indeed, the holographic silver foil applied to the fins and scales of these expressive and colorfully illustrated fish is eye-catching. The glittering watercolor artwork of this book has the same child appeal of its popular predecessors. However, the story is thin, possessing more adjectives than action. Its moral theme of tolerance and communication, while admirable, can be found in at least a dozen better books. This one is for those already enamored of Rainbow Fish. It is not likely to win new fans.-Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA

Parade

Welcome back to Rainbow Fish! It's amazing how a few strips of tinfoil and a vividly colorful imagination can confer longevity upon an imaginary creature. Marcus Pfister's glittering little underwater friend swims again in the delightful Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale. This time Rainbow Fish and his schoolmates, all of whom now sport sparkling scales, are admired by a visiting whale. Unfortunately, they mistake his intentions and go into hiding. It's all a mistake, however, and at the end the whale and his new pals swim happily of into the future-and probably the next book.

Kirkus Reviews

Pfister's winking do-gooder returns; Rainbow Fish and his pals find their krill-eating grounds mooched upon by a huge blue whale. The whale appears to mean no harm, and when the "fish with the ragged fins" calls him a "wicked whale," his feelings are hurt. Accordingly, he menaces the school until Rainbow Fish enters into peace talks. Thereupon the scales are smoothed, the blowholes quieted, and the sea creatures return to a state of bliss: "It was a wonderful life." It's almost painfully formulaic, but some children will never get enough of Rainbow Fish, who has now been promoted to ambassador of peace of the pelagic domain. (Picture book. 5-8)