Holiday Gift Guide: A Christmas story for pouty preschoolers

The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna!

The grumpiest fish in children’s literature is back with another case of “the dreary wearies.” This time, Mr. Fish, star of The New York Times bestselling Pout-Pout Fish series, is down in the dumps over holiday shopping. With a message for readers of all ages, The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish finds Mr. Fish so consumed with finding that perfect gift for each of his friends that he forgets the true meaning of the holidays:

“A gift should be big,

And a gift should be bright.

And a gift should be perfect—

Guaranteed to bring delight.

And a gift should have meaning,

Plus a bit of bling-zing,

So I’ll shop till I drop

For each just-right thing.” !

When Mr. Fish—with his signature Pout-Pout Fish frown—comes up empty-handed, Miss Shimmer intervenes with a plan to make homemade gifts. He soon learns that it’s not about busting the budget or gifting the season’s hottest item, but giving from the heart. Together they experience the joy that comes from giving and sharing—the merriest gifts of all.

Written by former bookseller and librarian Deborah Diesen with illustrations by veteran children’s artist Dan Hanna, The Pout-Pout Fish was a 2008 Time Magazine “Top Ten Children’s Book.” Since then, Mr. Fish has won over the hearts of millions of young readers as he Goes to School, faces the Big-Big Dark, learns to Smile, discovers how to Dream, and plays Hide-and-Seek. Today there are more than 2.5 million Pout-Pout Fish books in print.

Win your OWN copy!  Or purchase one on Amazon.

About the Author & Illustrator!

Deborah Diesen (www.deborahdiesen.com) grew up in Midland, Michigan, and started writing poems at a young age. She has worked as a bookseller and a librarian, and now works for a small nonprofit organization, but her greatest joy comes from writing for children. She lives with her family in Grand Ledge, Michigan.

Dan Hanna (www.danhanna.com) has over ten years experience in the animation industry, and his work has appeared on BBC America and the Cartoon Network. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

You and your child can meet the Pout-Pout Fish author and illustrator during the 12-city book tour, Nov. 14-21.

BOOK TOUR
Deborah Diesen
November 14, Square Books, Oxford, MS
November 16, Country Bookshop, Southern Pines,
November 17, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
November 18, Vero Beach Book Center, Vero Beach, FL
November 19, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
November 20, Octavia Books, New Orleans, LA

Dan Hanna
November 15, WORD Books, Jersey City, NJ
November 16, Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, KY
November 17, Towne Books, Collegeville, PA
November 18, Cover to Cover, Columbus, OH
November 19, Lake Forest Books, Lake Forest, IL
November 21, Andersons, Naperville, IL

Praise for the Pout-Pout Fish series!

“Hanna’s cartoonish ocean realm is full of details for both children and adults […] Diesen tackles a worry not often found in back-to-school books; young Mr. Fish will ease children’s fears about what will be expected of them.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This is a good choice for young children, and a nice introduction to talking about emotions and how others perceive you.” —Parents’ Choice

Disclaimer:  In exchange for this write up, PR by the Book has given my family a copy of this book as well as a giveaway copy for one of our readers!  All opinions are my own.