You Can't Pat a Fish

Ruth Paul is a masterful picture book writer and illustrator, and her many awards prove it. You Can’t Pat a Fish is yet another treat for young readers and listeners. A joy to read aloud with easy flowing rhyme and rhythm and all the animals children could ever wish to love, this is going to be a favourite in the classroom and at bedtime. * What Book Next *
This a terrific book to read aloud with its lilting rhyming text and illustrations that bring on a giggle. It’s a fun book that reminds us that sometimes you might not get what you wish for, but what you do get can be just as special. – Jane Stephens * Good Readings Magazine *
Pick up a children’s book when you crave a story that sings and surprises and moves you. A picture book that makes you smile and go daydream wandering (like what kind of pet would you like?). Ruth’s gorgeous new book does exactly this. Poetry Box raises a poetry bouquet of flowers to toast You Can’t Pat a Fish. It’s a sublime … satisfying … delight! * Poetry Box *
This is a charming rhyming story for young readers that will resonate with any of them who have wished for a pet and all the reasons why. But while it is also a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for, it’s also a reminder of looking for the silver linings and being optimistic, because suddenly the little girl sees the positives of having a fish and where her imagination takes her. Little ones will enjoy sharing their own stories about their pets, perhaps do some early graphing activities and enjoy the rhyme and rhythm as it carries the story along, Definitely one to share with the preschool group I read to weekly. * The Bottom Shelf *

Ruth Paul is an award-winning writer and illustrator of children’s picture books, and a New Zealand Arts Laureate (2019). Her books have been published in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, the UK, China and Korea, with translations into five languages. She has twice won the Picture Book Award at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Ruth is an experienced presenter at both schools and literary events, and takes up the University of Otago College of Education Creative New Zealand Children’s Writer in Residence fellowship in 2023. She is also a champion of her local community Makara, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where she lives and looks after a large native forest project.

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