A FRIEND FOR EDDY

A lonely goldfish wants a friend, but there are complications.

One day Eddy hears tapping on his bowl and spots something bright yellow—another goldfish? He asks it if it wants to play, and it nods, and a game of tag begins. The next day, two yellow fish are ready to join the fun. More than anything, Eddy wants to be outside his bowl with his friends. He gathers his courage, swims in ever faster circles, and launches himself out of his bowl. After a moment of joy, he lands with a thud, unable to breathe, swim, or blow bubbles. Will his new friends rescue him from disaster? This is the tale set forth in the text, but the visuals tell a deeper, more subtle story that depends on readers’ sharp eyes and understanding. The simple setting depicts a table and a bowl against a shining blue background, but children will notice that beyond Eddy’s bowl is a black shape that appears to be the top of a cat’s head, soon followed by the cat’s face. Those “fish” are actually the black cat’s bright yellow eyes. Will that mean doom for Eddy, or will his sweet innocence and joy in his friendship lead to a hoped-for happy conclusion? This clever and inspired story will hold readers’ attention and have little ones begging for rereads.

A tender tale of an unusual friendship, with just a touch of mystery.