Wally the Walking Fish: Meets Madison and Cooper

In a nutshell, this is a little story about a small girl named Madison and her dog, Cooper who catch a most odd fish; a walking fish who goes by the name of Wally. On top of everything else, this little fish can also talk! We then have a three way conversation between girl, dog and fish (and with a beaver thrown in for good measure as the story progresses), as they explore the natural world around them.

The first aspect of this little book which caught my attention was the fact that the little girl was talking to a dog and a fish. Now this may seem strange to an adult, but only to those adults who have forgotten their childhood. Who among us did not carry on conversations with their pets, various critters and even imaginary friends when they were wee ones? Now this is a natural and healthy activity for children and one that unfortunately many adults give up when they become older and more "sophisticated." (There are those of us who persist in this activity throughout our lives though, and well into our dotage, and are doing just fine...thank you very much!) The conversation between Madison, Cooper the dog, and Wally the Walking Fish is absolutely charming and completely natural and child like in quality.

The second item that caught my eye (we are still dealing with the text here) was that Gary Lamit, the author, kept his characters true to themselves throughout the entire tale. This was particularly true and important of Cooper the Golden Retriever. I know I have three dogs and talk to them all the time and each has his or her own distinctive personality and voice when he or she answers me or makes general comments. Most people who have pets share this eccentricity of mine.

Third, while the story was warm and charming, it also actually taught useful and interesting information. We have lessons on the life in a beaver pond; learn of Mudskippers (a land-adapted fish), flying fish, wonderful tips on conservation (reference "catch and release"), mushrooms and the pure joy of being in a natural environment with friends, which was probably the most important lesson of all in this book as far as I was concerned. Fourth, the author has provided small in-set boxes which old information for the adult reader to share with the child while reading the book. I was quite impressed with the art work and illustrations in this small offering. The pictures are well executed and done is soft, well blended pastels which fit the mood of the story perfectly. The illustrations have a misty enchantment quality about them that is interesting and eye catching, while at the same time being rather soothing. I liked that.

This work is quite suitable for children of pre-school age up to 6 or 7. It is a very nice read-a-long book as well as one that can stand alone as a self reader for the child. The book is well designed and looks as if it could take a pretty good mauling or rough handling from overly enthusiastic little readers, and come through either one with flying colors. All in all, physically it is an attractive and well designed product. Bottom line: A nice, well told story, good illustrations and the kids actually learn something...what more could you want?

This is a good library choice book.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Wally the Walking Fish: Meets Madison and Cooper