Tips for Using Fabulous Fishes with children:
Since this book features a simple rhyming pattern, on repeated readings invite children to join in. As a related art activity, children can design and name their own fish. They can then use paint and colored paper to create the ocean environment for their fish. These could be done individually or as a group collage. This could be a multiple day project.
Tips for Using Fabulous Fishes with families:
Have each family member pick out a favorite fish from this book and draw or paint a picture of it. After pictures are ready, ask each person to show his/her picture to the group, and explain why he/she chose this fish to draw or paint. Have each person look at the fish information in the back of the book (children might need help with this) to tell more about the fish—its unique features (the long snout of the butterflyfish, for example), how it gets its food, where it lives. Share information with families regarding aquariums or pet stores where they could take their children to see interesting fish.