book cover

My Pet Goldfish

by Catherine Rayner

Interest age: 4 to 5

Published by Walker Books, 2022

  • Picture books

About this book

A little boy has been given his first ever pet – a shimmering goldfish who he names Richard. The pair quickly bond; the child tells Richard about his day, and in turn, the curious fish bobs around and follows his human friend’s finger along the fish tank glass.

One day the young narrator’s neighbour, Sandy, comes to visit Richard. Sandy is a bit of a goldfish expert and is eager to share all he knows about caring for them: Did you know that goldfish nap with their eyes open? Or that they can let you know they're hungry by swimming up and blowing bubbles? Sandy’s garden pond is filled with goldfish of all shapes and jewel-like colours. The young boy is mesmerised by all the fish and surprised to see that some are much bigger (and older) than Richard.

As the years go by, the little fish grows and grows. But what will happen when Richard gets too big for his tank?

This is a simple, sweet story where the artwork really stands out. Award-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner has created gorgeously mesmerising and lifelike fish that shimmer in their watery world. Each spread is so beautifully detailed, littles ones, and grown-ups will linger on every page to soak everything up.

Not just a visual delight, the book is full of fishy facts - some funny, some fascinating - making this a perfect choice for first-time owners. For those with inspired to care for a goldfish of their own will find a list of things they will need, plus additional handy care tips, in the back matter.

About the author

Award-winning author and illustrator Catherine Rayner was born in Harrogate and now lives in Edinburgh. She has a BA Hons in Visual Communication and Illustration from Leeds College of Art and Edinburgh College of Art. Much of her inspiration – and occasionally modelling! – for her illustration comes from her pets: her horse Shannon, guinea pig Marvin, dog Ellie, cat Ena and goldfish, Bruce. However, it was animals of a slightly larger kind who were the inspiration for her first picture book, Augustus and His Smile – Catherine drew many of her initial sketches of him whilst watching the tigers at Edinburgh Zoo.

In 2006 Catherine was awarded the Best New Illustrator Award at the BookTrust Early Years awards and was also short listed for the V&A Illustration Awards 2006. Augustus and His Smile was selected as one of five picture books to be featured and recommended on Channel 4's 'Richard and Judy Christmas Party' in December 2006. Since January 2007, Augustus and His Smile has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and short listed for the 'Read it Again' Cambridgeshire Picture Book Award and the English 4-11 Award 2007. Catherine also regularly exhibits her art work in galleries all over Scotland and also illustrates her own range of cards.

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