A Fish Out of Water

Reach for this book when your child has made a mistake despite being given clear instructions, or when they are struggling with the 'more is better' impulse. It is a perfect choice for navigating those early moments of childhood guilt where a small lapse in judgment leads to a giant, overwhelming problem. The story follows a young boy who ignores a pet store owner's warning and overfeeds his new goldfish, causing it to grow uncontrollably until it outgrows even the family bathtub. While the premise is absurd and humorous, the emotional core touches on the anxiety of 'breaking' something and the relief of seeking help from a knowledgeable adult. It is a foundational lesson in accountability and the importance of following directions, presented with a whimsical tone that keeps the lesson from feeling heavy-handed. For children ages 3 to 7, it provides a safe space to discuss how we can fix our mistakes even when they feel too big to handle.