Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Playful undersea tale shows how feelings affect friends.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE POUT-POUT FISH, Mr. Fish believes he is destined to be gloomy and spreads his "dreary wearies" throughout the ocean, despite his friends' repeatedly trying to cheer him up. But when another creature tries a different approach, he realizes that his outlook—and his pout—don't have to be permanent.
Is It Any Good?
With delightfully expressive illustrations, catchy rhymes and clever repetition, young readers can see how moods—and how we talk about them—affect others. The Pout-Pout Fish has a simple message about changing moods, and is a great jumping off point for conversations about empathy, reaching out to others, and accepting them where they are. Another creature shows she cares about Mr. Fish just the way he is, and helps him come out of his dreary wearies. The platonic kiss at the end of the book can help talk about ways we show affection to friends, and some parents might even use it as an opportunity to talk about consent.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Mr. Fish's mood impacts everyone around him in The Pout-Pout Fish. How do you think this works for people in your life?
Talk about empathy, or imagining what someone else might be feeling. Do you think it's helpful to tell someone to smile or cheer up when they're sad? What are some other things you can do?
Do you treat people differently when you're sad vs. when you're happy? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dan Hanna
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Fish , Ocean Creatures ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : March 18, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 26, 2026
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