Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
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"A sweet story that could be used as a springboard to discussion of the pitfalls of making snap judgments about pets — or people." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNALNorman the goldfish isn’t what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet — one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don’t go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought? With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected — and positively fishy — tale about finding the good in something you didn’t knowyou wanted.

Lexile Measure: 460L (What's this?)

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Candlewick; Reprint edition (March 11, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0763627631

ISBN-13: 978-0763627638

Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 0.1 x 10.6 inches

Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #22,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #22 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Peer Pressure #48 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Fish #84 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Pets

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Goldfish are not exactly exciting, and the boy in this story had dreamt of a different pet: "One who could run and catch. Or one who could climb trees and chase strings."But alas, he's received Norman, "a sorry-looking fish in a gunky bowl." If he takes Norman to show-and-tell, will someone want to swap with him? No ... but soon Norman's quiet, reassuring presence is making the boy's heart flip. He decides he wouldn't trade Norman for "any pet in the whole world."The phrase "Not Norman," bookmarks the story, and in a clever twist it means one thing at the beginning and just the opposite at the end.In his first children's book, Jones' expressive illustrations of boy and fish accentuate the story's silly side. He depicts Norman blowing bubbles, smiling at the boy, boogeying to his tuba playing. The cover illustration plays with shapes-the boy's head mirrors the fishbowl's dimensions. As the boy peers through the bowl, we can see his eyes-and a floating Norman takes the place of his mouth and nose.The author is quoted on the leaf: "Fish are fun and funny. Just watching them makes me laugh." She and Jones have succeeded, glug, glug, in communicating fondness for the humble goldfish.

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story is a lovely story about a little boy who really wants a more interactive pet. Instead, he gets a pet that is always there for him, is always attentive and is always awake!!!! Unconditional love! This is a fun read for kids and it has clear concise pictures for children to enjoy!!! Great book!

Be forewarned...your kids may want a goldfish. But that's far easier to do than the MANY books out there that have kids begging for dogs. :)This book is just so cute. The story itself as well as the delightful illustrations. My kids just giggled and giggled while I was reading. They even laughed harder at Norman's version of events. As an amazing bonus, the author, Kelly Bennet, wrote a version of the story from Norman's point of view.It is simply adorable and after hearing Norman so many times the kids just rolled on the floor howling at Norman's story. Read it and you'll even find out the unnamed boy in the story is called Curtis. There you'll also find activities and teacher guides for Not Norman. Great resource we came by unexpectantly while researching this author (to see if she had any more great books!)Best thing about this book is the message that you just might find something good in the place least expected. I hope you enjoy Not Norman as much as my kiddies!

Another great story for children. Reading it makes my nieces so happy. When I'm finished reading this book my nieces jump up in joy with hugs and kisses for everyone. What's not to like about that? There are lots of children's books out there but this book is one that my nieces what read to them over and over again.

I bought this book, along with about 10 others, for my 21 month old daughter. She is a big "reader", but she won't go to sleep without reading it at least twice. She loves it so much, that I took her to buy a goldfish yesterday, and she immediately started calling it "Norman" (without my prompting). And, when it's near our mealtime (and I know she's getting hungry), she associates that feeling with the fish, and asks me to feed him. Unbelievable. Thank you, Kelly and Noah! Keep up the great work.

This book is wonderful. We checked it out from the Library and now I plan on buying for all the children on my birthday list. My 2 1/2 year old son insist that we read it at least twice a day and sometimes more. I even checked it out for his school library and I am sure he is also reading it at school.This book is wonderful. My son knows when to say Not Norman and some of the other simple text in the book. The pictures are wonderful. This is just an all around wonderful book.

I love this story of a little boy who wanted a pet. But he did not want a fish, and definitely Not Norman. I recommend this story for many reasons, but if your child wants a pet consider - a goldfish, and this book.

This book was a Christmas gift for my 2 year old son who, as of lately, has been obsessed with everything "Superhero." So when dad got him a set of superhero books, I wasn't sure what would become of "Not Norman." After sitting and reading it once with my little guy, this has become his favorite bedtime request. Yes, even more so that his superhero books. Even my 7 year old, who's into chapter books, makes her way into her brothers room at night, just to hear about Norman, the "unwanted" goldfish.I especially appreciate that the main character is black, yet the story crosses all color lines. I love that my son can see himself reflected in a story about everyday kid adventures! Highly recommended.

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