Don't Trust Fish

by Neil Sharpson

illustrated by Dan Santat

Published by Penguin Random House Australia
ISBN 9781761351082

Written tongue in cheek, a fun picture book comparing birds, reptiles, mammals and fish. Yes, fish, it is hilariously funny and a little whimsical.

Beginning by comparing other species such a birds, cows, reptiles to fish

the fun story has quite a few facts that readers aged 5 years and over maybe interested in, while also learning about the various species of fish.

The clear and playful illustrations show the differences in the fish species, some with lungs, others have gills. The different fish that live in the sea or in fresh water and what they eat whether it's seaweed, crabs, other fish or something else. And those big sharp teeth... All with the funny message, don't trust fish. The expressions on some these fish is enough to make you laugh.

There are also questions to make readers think, such as fish spend al their time in the water, but what goes on down there, what are they doing? So while it is funny, even hilarious at times, it's a clever, imaginative way to get kids thinking and wondering about ... fish.

The author

Neil Sharpson lives in Dublin with his wife and their two children. Having written for theatre since his teens, Neil transitioned to writing novels in 2017, adapting his play The Caspian Sea into When The Sparrow Falls. A huge fan of animation, Neil writes Unshaved Mouse, a comedic review blog mostly focusing on animated film and comic book movies.

The illustrator

Dan Santat is a New York Times best-selling author and illustrator. His picture book, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, won the 2015 Caldecott Medal for distinguished illustration. He also wrote The Guild of Geniuses and created the Disney Channel animated series The Replacements. He lives in Southern California with his wife, two children and various pets.