Who wants some fish?
Irma, our book's main character, is getting some pet fishies. Yes, she's getting some guppies - which I think are beautiful hypnotizing (that tail!). But she doesn't want them - she wants a puppy instead! A puppy, not a guppy!
I've always loved fish. Whenever we go to the beach, we always go snorkeling to see some colorful fishes and corals. Fish in aquariums are also a sight - a very relaxing one that adds color and life to any room. Memories of all those hours spent laboriously looking for the right breed on that addictive Fish Tycoon game also come to mind. Hah!I do love fish. But pet fish? I've never had any of those. Dogs, on the other hand, we've had since forever so I can understand why Irma's parents doesn't want her to get one...
Guppies Galore
Excerpt from "A Puppy, not a Guppy":
“They look kind of boring to me,” said Irma, stifling a yawn. “Do they do anything at all?”
“Sure,” said Jimmy. “They swim. They eat. They…” Jimmy paused for a moment and dropped a food pellet into the tank. “Naaah, you’re right, they’re pretty boring.”
“Why do you keep them, then?”
“I don’t know,” said Jimmy. “I guess I’m just used to them. Hey, you want some of the babies when they’re born?”
“No. I want a puppy, not a guppy.”
Lessons from Mommy Holly
The author of this new inspiring and educational children's book is Holly Jahangiri, "a professional writer with over twenty years' experience in technical writing, freelancing, fiction, poetry, and editing." She and her husband J.J. have a daughter, Katie, and a son, William. I like the fact that Holly was born under the sign of the fish too - she's a Pisces like me. Is there a connection in the book? Well, you have read it to find out! Haha!
I liked this book because of 2 things. First, because it leaves your child (and you!) with your imagination tickled with all the possibilities for your pet Guppies - a lot of people simply brush fish off as boring creatures. But fish owners know better. =D
Reading this book to your child as a bedtime story will not only be a wonderful bonding session, you will also be giving them wonderful dreams of guppy possibilities, entice their imagination a little.
The second reason I like this story is that it encourages us to look beyond what is at face value, to be patient especially with the disadvantaged, and to not discriminate - lessons anyone at any age should learn.
Get your FREE copy
For an awesome chance to win a FREE autographed copy of "A Puppy, Not a Guppy", visit http://jahangiri.us/books/2009/12/contest/. It's so easy to win!
You can also purchase this book directly from:
- 4RV Publishing at http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Childrens_Books.html ($8.99 + S&H)
- Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Puppy-Not-Guppy-Holly-Jahangiri/dp/0984070850 ($10.99 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.)
Photo credits:
- Guppy photo at http://www.breeding-guppies.com/
- Book cover art by Ryan Shaw, 4RV Publishing