Shiny fish / spiny fish, / fish that hitch a ride. With a simple, rhyming text and full-page illustrations in acrylic and collage, this picture book introduces dramatic facts about more than 20 different fishes om the mudskipper, which uses its front fins like little legs, and the swordfish, which kills other fish by using its long, sharp bill like a sword, to remoras, which attach themselves to a whale shark by suction disks on their heads, then hitch a ride and feed on the shark's leftovers. Young children will enjoy pointing out the various fish in the illustrations, while older ones will switch back and forth from the pictures to the fascinating biological facts about fish behavior, habitat, and camouflage gathered in notes at the back. An exciting way to prepare kids for a visit to the aquarium.

PreS-Gr 2 Stockdale uses simple rhymes and clear, colorful acrylic artwork to introduce the fascinating underwater world of fishes. From small sardines to the huge whale shark, inhabitants of oceans and rivers swim across the pages, including the endpapers. The animals are clearly depicted with clean lines, bright hues, and a variety of details and textures. A spread at the end identifies the creatures portrayed and supplies a few facts, including where the species live. Report writers will need to consult additional books, such as those included in the list of resources, for more information. However, this introduction will pique children's curiosity and should find a home in most libraries. It's a fine read-aloud choice to stimulate conversation about the topic, perhaps in tandem with an aquarium visit. Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato