The Rainbow Fish revisited (Part One)
image courtesy of photobucket.com
In 1992, Swiss author Marcus Pfister wrote and illustrated the award winning children’s book The Rainbow Fish, which was translated into over 80 languages and sold over 15 million copies. The moral of the story was “Love is giving a gift, not receiving gratification. Where the rainbow fish realised that giving of itself is better than being praised for its beauty.” (from Wikipedia) Pfister went on to write a series of books that addressed other topics: fear, acceptance, modesty and arguments.
While I do agree with the intended message, something about that book never sat right with me. So I decided to read it again. The following is an abbreviated version of the book which I feel hits on all the major themes:
In the deep blue sea, there lived a beautiful fish–the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean, with scales every shade of blue, green and purple with sparkling silver scales among them.
image courtesy of photobucket.com
The other fish were amazed at his beauty. They called him Rainbow Fish. “Come on, Rainbow Fish! Come and play with us.” But the Rainbow Fish would just glide past, proud and silent.
One day, a little blue fish asked him to give him one of his shiny scales. “They are so wonderful, and you have so many.” said the little fish.
image courtesy of photobucket.com
The Rainbow Fish refused. “Who do you think you are? Get away from me!” Shocked, the blue fish swam away. Upset, he told all his friends what had happened. From then on, no one would have anything to do with Rainbow Fish.What good were the dazzling shimmering scales with no one to admire them? He was now the loneliest fish in the ocean. One day he asked the starfish why no one liked him. The starfish told him to seek the counsel of the wise octopus, so the Rainbow Fish goes to visit the octopus in the dark cave where she lived.
image courtesy of photobucket.com
“I have been waiting for you”, said the octopus. “The waves have told me your story.” The octopus told Rainbow Fish to give away a glittering scale to each of the other fish. “You will no longer be the most beautiful fish in the sea, but you will discover how to be happy.”
The Rainbow Fish didn’t think he could give away his scales. He felt he couldn’t be happy without them. Just then, the little blue fish returned and asked again for just one scale. Rainbow Fish wavered and gave one small, shimmering scale to the blue fish.
The little blue fish thanked Rainbow Fish and tucked the shimmering scale among his blue ones. A peculiar feeling came over Rainbow Fish as he watched the blue fish swim back and forth with his shimmering scale in the water.
Before long, Rainbow Fish was surrounded by other fish, each wanting a shimmering scale. Rainbow Fish began giving away his scales. The more he gave away, the more delighted he became. When the water around him filled with glimmering scales, he at last felt at home among the other fish.
image courtesy of photobucket.com
Finally the Rainbow Fish had only one shining scale left. He had given away his most prized possessions, yet he was very happy. “Come and play with us, Rainbow Fish!” And the Rainbow Fish swam off happily to join his friends.
In my next post, the REST of the story…
« « Previous Post: On email chains and blessings | Next Post: The Rainbow Fish revisited (Part Two) » »
I think everyone is just waiting for “the rest of the story” like Paul Harvey says. Now, hurry up 8 P.M.
okiewife´s last [type] ..Almost Wordless Wednesday Again
You had me at “Fish”.
I wait with baited breath for your next instalment.
Sharkbait´s last [type] ..Church Part 2 – Tree of life
Baited breath or baity breath?
I hope the last line of the next post isn’t something like, “and it was the best meal the shark ever had.”
Annie K´s last [type] ..So- I Have A Question For You
Not exactly, but you do understand how my mind works. Which is kinda scary.
I so know where you are going with this. I can’t decide if it excites me or disturbs me that we share a brain…
When I taught kindergarten, I outright eliminated this book from my curriculum. How in the heck it got to be so popular is beyond me. Must be the shiny pictures.
I remember reading this book. Now I can’t wait for your “take.”
Sandra Heska King´s last [type] ..Window on Writing- Today I’m Frustrated
I’m beginning to worry about the indoctrination of young minds by childrens books. Think about Fern Gully, Wall-E and the whole excessive environmentalism thing that was pushed. Oh man….
jake´s last [type] ..Dude- You Gotta See This
I was so amazed by the colors of the fishes.. It is very beautiful! BTW, I am interested on reading that book!
I taught kindergarten, I outright eliminated this book from my curriculum. How in the heck it got to be so popular is beyond me. Must be the shiny pictures. |
spade56´s last [type] ..File Recovery Software