Book Review: Don’t Trust Fish, by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat

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Irish author Neil Sharpson was originally a theatre writer but transitioned to novels in 2017. This is his first picture book and what a treat it is! He has teamed up with award-winning author and illustrator of over 100 books, Dan Santat, who lives in Southern California. Together they have created a story which is quite frankly ridiculous, and that’s what makes it so much fun. What a fabulous book!

Don’t Trust Fish starts off as a simple guide to the creatures who live on this planet, defining what a mammal, reptile, or bird is. 

As readers we are lulled into a false sense of security when we begin. The first page has a picture of a cow, with the words:

‘This animal has fur.

 This animal is warm-blooded.

 This animal feeds her babies milk.

This animal is a mammal.‘

Seems simple enough, and maybe we will learn something as we go on. But when Sharpson gets to fish, the book takes an entirely different turn. From then on, we are taken on a wild ride.  

We do actually learn quite a lot about fish along the way, all while laughing. Every page will give you a giggle or even a laugh-out-loud moment! What a great story to read to children of any age, and a class of kindergarten or junior primary children will love it. But I would suggest that upper primary and even secondary children will equally enjoy it. 

Santat has perfectly captured the text with his illustrations. From the obviously normal illustrations depicting groups from our animal kingdom to the facial expressions of the fish and those around them.

The front cover is very unassuming, with the book title and a small, green, very nonplussed fish. The back cover however is covered in an assortment of fish, showing various facial expressions. All have been depicted in the book.

Don’t just leave this story for the children; every member of the family will love it. A book which will appeal to both adults and children is always a hit and one that will be read for many years. This is certainly one of those books! It also includes a lovely surprise ending (keep turning the pages!!). A great gift for anyone who loves a good laugh.

Reviewed by Sue Mauger

The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.