Norman: One Amazing Goldfish!

by Kelly Bennett, Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)

Overview

Can Norman the amazing goldfish overcome his stage fright? A much-awaited new adventure from the creators of Not Norman.

Norman is one amazing goldfish! His owner knows Norman is sure to dazzle the crowd at Pet-O-Rama with his circles, bubbles, and flips—even though some kids don’t think a goldfish is a good pet. But when Norman is finally on stage, he freezes up and hides behind his plant. Poor Norman! Luckily, his owner plays a familiar song on the tuba, helping Norman to relax and show the crowd how amazing he really is. The popular stars of Not Norman return in a warm and wryly funny new story about being there for your fishy friend when he needs you most.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536206715
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	09/08/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	477,007
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Kelly Bennett is the author of Not Norman: A Goldfish Story, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones, as well as Vampire Baby andDad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers and Stepfathers, both illustrated by Paul Meisel, among many other books for children. Kelly Bennett divides her time between Westhampton, New York, and Houston, Texas.

Noah Z. Jones is the illustrator of Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett, as well as Those Shoes and A Bike Like Sergio’s, both written by Maribeth Boelts. He is also the creator of the animated television series Fish Hooks, Almost Naked Animals, and Pickle and Peanut. Noah Z. Jones lives in Southern California.

Editorial Reviews

This is a fun read whether shared with the group or a child in a lap. The story moves quickly, and the bright, mostly full-bleed artwork will keep the attention of young readers. . .Three cheers for Norman the amazing goldfish—and this charming story!
—Kirkus Reviews

A warm and wryly funny new picture book story by author/storyteller Kelly Bennett and artist/illustrator Noah Z. Jones about being there for your fishy friend when he needs you most. . . "Norman: One Amazing Goldfish!" is an especially recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections for children ages 4-8.
—The Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

2020-06-30
Norman the goldfish is an amazing pet. He can perform several tricks in his bowl and even sing, but there’s one thing Norman can’t do: perform for others.

On the day of the Pet-O-Rama pet talent show, Norman and his human (who narrates) get in line to participate. Once inside, Norman and the child meet Ben and Dylan with their dog, Mustard, who does karate. Ben and Dylan taunt Norman and his pal, but the child is undaunted, ready to prove to everyone just how “amazing” Norman is. When it’s Norman’s turn, the child tries hard to get the fish to perform, but the duo falls short with one failed trick after another. Poor Norman has stage fright. Here, Jones’ cartoon illustrations of the comically panic-stricken goldfish, dorsal fin drooping, will elicit both chuckles and sympathy. The protagonist gives Norman a bit of a pep talk, pulls out a tuba (rather magically, as it did not seem to travel to the talent show with the pair), plays a song, and finally gets Norman to show everyone just how amazing he is. This is a fun read whether shared with a group or a child in a lap. The story moves quickly, and the bright, mostly full-bleed artwork will keep the attention of young readers. Norman’s human presents Black, and the supporting cast is diverse.

Three cheers for Norman the amazing goldfish—and this charming story! (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews