One fish two fish red fish blue fish

Giesel, Theodor (Dr. Suess). 1960. One fish two fish red fish blue fish. New York: Beginner Books, Inc.  ISBN 0394800133

   Plot Summary

One fish two fish red fish blue fish is a children’s book  which showcases what Dr. Seuss refers to as “funny things”  a girl and boy encounter on a daily basis through real and imaginary creatures they have as friends. 

Analysis

At first glance, One fish two fish red fish blue fish is simply a children’s reader true to Dr. Seuss style with the rhyming and made up words.  The book is rather lengthy with a loosely translated plot entwining page after page.  The story does not really flow much, is very choppy but would seemingly be helpful for children who are learning to read and have to stop due to interruption.  The reader can stop and start in almost any part of the story and not need to recall previous events.  This beginner reader incorporates numbers/counting, colors, letter/phrase repetition, predictable sentence structure and rhyming.  Further, the illustrations contain only minimal, primary colors and are simplistic in nature.  The imaginary creatures are just that, imaginary and thought up by Dr. Seuss but add to the creativity and whimsy to directly relate to the text and enhance the story.

Once a reader is able to separate themselves from some of the more ridiculous things in this book (which, arguably is the meat of what children love and makes Dr. Seuss so successful) and leave behind the hopes for a cohesive story, it is obvious to see that Dr. Seuss was challenging and teaching children to appreciate life and all its quirks while maintaining that tolerance is an important life lesson because, after all, everyone and everything is different.  

Awards, Recognition or Honors

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish is on the National Education Assocation’s (NEA) Teachers Top 100 Books for Children (Visit the NEA at http://www.nea.org/grants/13154.htm/)

Review Excerpts

BOOKS FOR YAs: "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish gives its readers a glimpse into a highly imaginative world where anything is possible!"    (http://www.booksforyas.com/review-one-fish-two-fish-red-fish-blue-fish-by-dr-seuss/)

Enrichment Activities

Printables: https://www.earlymoments.com/dr-seuss/List-of-Dr-Seuss-books1/One-Fish-Two-Fish-Red-Fish-Blue-Fish/One-Fish-Two-Fish-Fun-Activities/

Printables: http://www.seussville.com/Educators/educatorClassroomResources.php?id=printables

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