Children's Book Review: Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau and Scott Magoon

I fully expected to find nothing suitable at the library this time, and my foresight seemed to be intact. As I perused the children's book section for the second time this week, all I could think about was the fact that I had not noticed another "really cool" looking book. Sure, I was searching for another Camilla Chameleon, but it's children's literature! Shouldn't all the books have really eye-catching drawings with neon colors? I decided to just give up and read the kids one of their "Little Golden Books" tonight before bed.

I was at the checkout counter with my wife when my 6-year-old sneaked in a very ordinary looking hardcover. Just another drab-looking, run-of-the-mill, I thought.

About 3 hours later, it was time for that bedtime story.... That's when my gorgeous 6-year-old pulled out her drab-looking book.

"Ugly Fish?" I inquired, with a hint of repulsion. "Let me see that."

As I more closely examined the cover art, my repulsion softened. The illustrations actually looked quite cool. "All right, UPSTAIRS KIDS, and we'll read it..." I was ready.

Kara LaReau's tale of the ill-fated "Ugly Fish" gets a little repetitive at times, just like any good book for three-to-seven-year-olds should. The words are short enough to tempt an early-reader, while the tension-building plot will easily hold the eyes of your first-grader. Even though the story is quite enjoyable, it really is the illustrations that make this book stand out.

Scott Magoon's color pallette is decidedly deep-sea drab. Although he does spice it up with a masterful usage of oranges, reds, and yellows which bring him a little closer to coral-reef Rembrandt. In fact, the colors work harmoniously with Scott's very unique drawings. The main character is reminiscent of an aggressively depressed Spongebob Squarepants with a major underbite. With all his pug-like charm, Ugly Fish himself is not the only highlight this book has to offer. Your kids will particularly enjoy the last page, but don't look at it first because it will kill the whole thing.

The Verdict: My kids and I still enjoyed Ugly Fish even after the third read. Owning it would be very cool.

BTJ