THIS TANK IS MINE!

Sharing can be hard.

With a satisfied smirk, a self-assured angelfish shows off its tank. A cave, a treasure chest, an ornamental diver: Everything here is a prized possession. Then, with a sudden “PLOP!” a smaller goldfish is dropped in—and is promptly warned off every item, even down to a tiny piece of gravel. The newcomer’s very polite request for just one pebble is grudgingly granted, in return for a commitment to “stop touching my stuff.” The grateful goldfish immediately turns the little rock into a pet and offers the one thing the angelfish doesn’t have: friendship. They share the pet pebble and play with it together, using the treasure chest, the cave, and even the bubbles produced by the toy diver. The arrival of three more little fish and a snail causes a moment of suspense: Will the angelfish regress to selfish bullying? Looks like our hero has learned a much-needed lesson. The bright blue cartoon angelfish dominates every scene, its big mouth and expressive eyebrows comically conveying its various moods. The first in a projected series, this tale offers a sound takeaway sure to resonate with its young audience. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gentle and amusing adventure in socialization, with a happy but not unrealistic outcome.