imagesI just love the opening stanzas of Mr. Fish’s latest escapade:

“In a festive ocean corner, Fish were decking out the reef, Hanging tinsell, bows and lights, In a holiday motif.”

Can you get into the rhythm of that luscious language?? We are off on another adventure loaded with rich descriptive vocabulary thanks to author, Debbie Diesen, who knows the wealth in words and Dan Hanna who visually transforms the ocean floor into a feast of holiday fun, adding details that amuse and enrich the story. Mr. Fish didn’t feel the merriment as he was bogged down with his “to do” list–get the perfect present for everyone and bake the tastiest cookies.   There was much to explore as Mr. Fish went shopping checking out baubles, trinkets, and gadgets like “Massage in a Bottle,” or “Blackbeard’s Other Beard,”while parents enjoyed the deeper meanings of “Mr. Limpet’s Glasses” and “Das Boot.” Mr. Fish was on the move but kept arriving just as the stores closed, unable to purchase a single gift. The gentle voice of Miss Shimmer advised him to make his gifts, “For the best gifts of all come straight from the heart!” This story of keeping our perscpective at holiday time is a great read for kids as well as adults. Cut down on the frantic shopping for the perfect gift and give from your heart. How timely to get that message right before Christmas!

Available at Amazon.