I’ve read this book and I didn’t take anything negative from it. I thought it meant that he needed to change his attitude. Must admit that it’s a hard book to cover because I cover books for our local school library. I must have covered this book at least twice a year. It’s just a new copy of the book but I’ve been covering them for over 30 years now and still going.

I haven’t read it but… geez. No wonder we can’t get kids to read anymore. Why can’t this book just be a teaching moment about how selfish others can be and how empathetic the rainbow fish was. To say it’s toxic, is over the top I think. Perhaps better understand why the author wrote it. I think the Rainbow Fish should have kept its beauty and not try to blend in to be like everyone else. That’s what I would explain to my child who is on the spectrum and has super powers. I’ve always said to him, never change who you are for anyone. Perhaps that’s the moral of the story!!!

There is a lot of talk about rewriting classic children’s books and now that I am constantly buying books for my little one (we are still at the where is the green sheep phase) then I guess I’ll have to check some with more of a 2023 lens than a childhood nostalgia one

Never heard of this book, can’t say this is enticing me to buy it either.

Oh really! Leave the book alone and just enjoy it as it was intended to be enjoyed. Children’s books are not meant to the subject of textual criticism. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. I have seen children’s books that I think are inappropriate, but I put the book back on the shelf and move on.

I really feel like the times are changing when i read articles like this.

This was my favourite children’s book growing up, hands down! I still remember it vividly from all the way back then and solely due to the absolutely gorgeous artistry, colours and shiny, reflective rainbow colours that were carefully and thoughtfully created. I remember the imagery and kindness factor really stood-out to me and came through from this book, where I went onto become an artist myself and took the positive, empathetic aspects from the book and everywhere else, as opposed to any toxic, negatively viewed ones such as over-sharing to others. It depends how you soak-up the information being presented to you, whether in a positive way or negative way and yes we do need to be careful with what messaging we are putting out there to children. However, I do genuinely feel this is a shame to completely shun and shut down this absolutely beautiful and now in my view, historic book. P.S. my child thought this story looked pretty cool and friendly, sits right next to the bed in the kids bookshelf- bam!

If we over-analysed all children’s books like this, there wouldn’t be many left on the shelf to read our children. I have been reading this book in preschool & childcare settings for over 12 years & the importance of ‘sharing’ is the only message the children have taken from it so far.

I do understand where they are coming from and I think it is alright to change up the reading material every few years to fit in with the times as well.

Eaugh. Cancel culture.
My kids LOVED this book. Who cares, it gave them a love for reading early on and was the book of choice for bedtime reading.<3

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  • • mom492462 replied
    • 28 Apr 2023 , 12:04 pm

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  Let cancel CANCEL CULTURE
  its ridiculous
  How can we be inclusive if we’re cancelling things left right and centre

This is an all time favourite book, brings back alot of childhood memories.

I can see what he is talking about, but when I read this as a child I never really thought about the words or what they meant. It was just another pretty looking book.

I haven’t heard of this book, but I think way too much emphasis is placed on kid things that should be just plain fun

I remember this book from primary school but didn’t think much of it besides the visual appeal. I think the reactions are a bit over the top e.g. toxic, enemy, etc. I don’t think we need to be so dramatic.

I’d never heard about it till now. Interesting.

Oh dear I think they are reading far too much into this book.

My kids absolutely loved this book. I love the pictures.

No, I haven’t read it. It was not on my radar.

I will revisit this book.

I have always thought it was a simple book about sharing and this is something most children find hard to do. This is being way overthought in my opinion.