Not Fishy Enough

A Ridiculous Parable About Finding Worth Through Self-Acceptance

Children - Social Issues
126 Pages
Reviewed on 08/09/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Not Fishy Enough by Briton Kolber is a children's storybook with a self-help guide. The story follows Edwin, a sea creature that lives in a small tidepool. Edwin looks odd with grabby fins, swims awkwardly, and has scales that crack. His adoptive parents and friend, Riley, try to help him fit in, but nothing works because he is different. The other fish at the school do not eat or interact with him, which makes him sad and lonely. One day, Edwin finds a grabby fin that gives him hope that someone out there looks like him. Edwin is determined and embarks on an adventure beyond his tidepool to find answers. Will Edwin ever learn who he really is?

Not Fishy Enough is a unique and interactive book. The author breaks the fourth wall in many scenes and addresses readers directly. At first glance, this seems like a simple children's story about self-acceptance and love, but it goes deeper than this. Briton Kolber addresses gender identity, adoption, racism, religious beliefs, and dark humor, which can trigger some sensitive readers. The author highlights key moments from the story that relate to these topics. The last section has brief discussions and questions. I loved this concept because it is unique, and the recap makes the story memorable. The author uses a calm tone that can be used to talk to children, which fits perfectly for young readers. The book also contains black-and-white illustrations that complement the story. I enjoyed reading this book because it addresses social issues, teaches children about sea creatures, and encourages them to be unique.