Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale is based on a misunderstanding. The fish and the whale are both attracted by the krill (small shrimp-like creatures) that live near the reef. The whale also enjoys seeing the sparkling highlights on the fish. One of the fish develops a fear of the whale. When the whale comes close one day, the jagged fin fish says, "Look out! . . . The wicked whale is after us!"

The whale's feelings are hurt, and the whale becomes angry. The whale chases the fish into a cavern and waves its tail so violently that the krill are dispersed. Soon, whale and fish are hungry.

Rainbow fish overcomes his fear. "We must make peace with the whale." "Please let's talk." "This fight was all a big mistake. It drove off the krill and now we're all hungry."

The whale makes peace. "Come now! said the whale." "Let's find new hunting grounds." "And before long, none of them could remember what the terrible fight had been about."

The story is a good one to read to both older and younger siblings. For the older ones, it shows the importance of not being threatening. For the younger ones, the lesson is to assume that size does not mean menace . . . even when it feels intimidating. For both children, the book explores that words can hurt, and have unpleasant consequences. The benefits of being considerate and sharing are also displayed. For me, this book contained all of the best elements of the first two books while reminding the reader of them by the visual cues of shared sparkles on all but the striped fish.

Children who are afraid of anger will probably want to avoid this book, although most should be fine with it by the recommended ages of 5 and higher. I suspect that most 4 year olds would love it.

Where else do large and small have to cooperate? You might want to share those examples with your child in order to create a more complementary view of how the world can work.

Seek ways to build strengths from differences!