Please, Mr Magic Fish
Jack catches a fish which, much to his surprise, speaks to him offering to grant a wish in exchange for his freedom. When he tells his wife, Liz, about the encounter, she is furious with him as he didn’t make a wish when he had the chance. Together, they go in search of the fish and it grants them their wish. Initially grateful, the couple soon return to ask the fish for more and once again, the fish complies. Soon dissatisfied with the fish’s generosity, they return again to the shore and although the sea is stormy, the fish once again grants their request- but they fail to thank him. Content for only a day, the pair call the fish once more and it rises from a boiling dark sea to listen to their demands. This time, they turn to see all as it once was and they never saw the magic fish again.
In ‘Please, Mr Magic Fish’, Jessica Souhami offers a lively re-telling of the traditional tale, ‘The Fisherman and his Wife’, made popular in Europe in the 19th century by the Brothers Grimm. The story warns of the dangers of greed and reminds the reader of the importance of being grateful as traditionally the couple in the story are left with nothing. However, in her version, Jessica offers the couple a more hopeful ending. In a note at the end, she says that she has sympathy with Jack and Liz who are worn down by their poverty and get carried away when offered the chance of something better and wanted the ending to offer them hope- and it does! The story- and Jessica’s note- is sure to encourage discussion about this tale, challenging the stereotypical roles given to the man- hen-pecked fool- and his wife -nagging harridan- in the original. Children might enjoy exploring and sharing other versions of this story from around the world as well.
The story is a joy to read aloud with the repetitive phrases making it perfect for joining in with. Children will also enjoy seeing the fish’s rising fury reflected in the colour and texture of the sea whilst the couple seem blissfully oblivious of the effect they are having on it. The illustrations are full of colour and life, making the book instantly appealing and a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
Originally published in hardback in 2018, ‘Please, Mr Magic Fish’ is now available in paperback.
Please, Mr Magic Fish Jessica Souhami
Otter-Barry Books
ISBN: 978-1910959183 (hardback) 978-1913074111 (paperback)