Trout, Trout, Trout: (A Fish Chant)

This has been one of the favorites of my 16 mos old daughter for the last 2 mos. During bedtime stories we will read several books once each, but have to read this one 3+ times. There is a lot of humor in the illustrations to keep the adults entertained as well.

More than just a rhyming story the rhythm and cadence produces a strong chant that children fall into naturally. The rhyming pattern is set on the first two pages and follows that pattern throughout the rest of the book. The illustrations are great and create a personality for each fish while at the same time staying true to their basic shape and color so that the reader can identify them. Brightly colored, finely detailed, the illustrations themselves are exceptionally well done. If you like fish or just want to introduce your child to the fascinating world of fish Trout, Trout, Trout is highly recommended and a lot of fun just to read and leaf through. This is a great chant that keeps on your lips long after you are done with the book.

This is just such a good book that words won't do it justice. It has to be seen and read to be truly appreciated. I know it calls itself a "fish chant", but for my four year-old son it is a "fish holler" - he loves to yell out the repetative names of the fish (to the point that we cannot read this one in the library anymore :) The pictures are amazing, giving personality to each fish that I never would have imagined. We have given this book to several grown-up friends who like to fish, and it has received rave reviews from all. I hope these two team up for more books (Ms. Sayre and Mr. Park, if you read this, do birds next, please!)

An incredibly fun-to-view book, and even more fun to read out loud. The art is stunning and ridiculously funny.