wetdryvac's review
2.0
Excellent art. Arbitrary no-explanation rules. Arbitrary no explanation fix at end. Read to me as a kid as, "Do what your told, and never mind why - and you can't fix it or know how it's fixed." Reads the same way to me now, with an added layer of, "Wait, the bloke selling the fish *knows* this will happen and sells without explanation anyway. That's all kinds of wrong."
*shrugs*
I'm easily miffed by kids books, I guess.
*shrugs*
I'm easily miffed by kids books, I guess.
thediaryofanauthorintraining's review
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ksrh8r69's review
5.0
It is important to learn that our actions have consequences. When Otto is given too much food (despite Mr. Carp's warning) he has to be moved from home to home in the hopes that the next one will fit his ever growing size. When someone gives us a warning about our potential actions they should not be ignored. Often people think to themselves, "this happened to them, but it will not happen to me". We must learn to stop thinking about ourselves as smarter and more able to succeed in life. We must recognize that we are all equal people in this world and that accepting advice is not weakness, but rather strength. Learning from our mistakes is the only path forward.
momof2precious1s's review
5.0
Good book, so good that we got a fish for Christmas & my 3 yr old daughter decided to name it "Otto".
sean67's review
4.0
Simple story yet endearing and one that I have always remembered from childhood. Reading it again was an interesting and yet special moment. Another really ridiculous plot when it comes down to it but these books excel in the ridiculous and make it enjoyable.
libraryrobin's review
5.0
What will happen to Otto? When will he stop growing? And just how does Mr Carp save Otto?
Kids are still riveted to this classic. Fabulous illustrations and tight storytelling never get old.
Kids are still riveted to this classic. Fabulous illustrations and tight storytelling never get old.
boureemusique's review
Mr. Carp *told* the narrator not to feed his new fish, Otto, too much, but our narrator did not listen. Otto grew bigger and bigger and had to transfer to bigger bowls, pots and pans, a bathtub, and a swimming pool! [spoiler] It was lucky that Mr. Carp had seen this kind of problem before and was able to restore Otto by the end.
jenpsz's review
5.0
As a child this was always one of my favourite books- so glad now to share with the next gen of son, nephew and niece who love it as much as I do!! It's a read and read again and again book. 'Never more than a spot!'