
You Can’t Pat a Fish
You Can’t Pat a Fish
Ruth Paul
Walker Books, 2025
32pp., hbk., RRP $A25.99
9781760656973
“I asked for a pet, but what did I get?”
The little girl’s parents have agreed to let her have a pet, but when it comes to all the choices in the pet shop, they decide that a fish in a bowl is the best choice. Clearly the little girl is disappointed because while you can play with a puppy, cuddle a cat, snuggle a rabbit and pat a pet rat, no matter how much you wish, you can’t pat a fish.
There are so many things you can do with any of the other creatures that she could have had, but instead she has a boring fish, Until…
This is a charming rhyming story for young readers that will resonate with any of them who have wished for a pet and all the reasons why. But while it is also a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for, it’s also a reminder of looking for the silver linings and being optimistic, because suddenly the little girl sees the positives of having a fish and where her imagination takes her.
Little ones will enjoy sharing their own stories about their pets, perhaps do some early graphing activities and enjoy the rhyme and rhythm as it carries the story along, Definitely one to share with the preschool group I read to weekly.