Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
School Library Journal says: "A sweet story that could be used as a springboard to discussion of the pitfalls of making snap judgments about pets — or people."
Norman the goldfish isn’t what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet — one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don’t go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought?
With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected — and positively fishy — tale about finding the good in something you didn’t know you wanted.
| Author | Illustrator |
|---|---|
| Kelly Bennett | Noah Z. Jones |
FAQ
Is this book suitable for young children?
Yes, this book is designed for children aged 4 to 8 and encourages thoughtful discussion about pets and assumptions.
What themes does the book explore?
The book explores themes of acceptance, making snap judgments, and discovering unexpected value in things that seem different at first.
Is the story based on real-life experiences?
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Matt James –
My 6-year-old loved this book. He didn’t expect a goldfish to be the best pet, but he ended up laughing and saying Norman was actually the most fun. Great for talking about pets and being open-minded.
Charles Forsyth –
A gentle story that helps kids think about what makes a good pet. The illustrations are bright and the humor is subtle but effective. My daughter asked for it to be read again.
Rose Fisher –
Perfect for classroom discussions. The book gently challenges kids to reconsider their assumptions about animals and what they want in a pet.
Jake Metcalfe –
My son initially thought the goldfish was silly, but after reading, he said he liked Norman better than any other pet. It made a great conversation starter.