I Want to be a Fish

A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child expresses a desire to be something else, perhaps an animal, to escape the small frustrations of being a kid. This whimsical 1977 classic tells the story of Arthur, a boy who decides he is tired of washing and dressing and would much rather be a fish. The book follows his imaginative journey underwater, exploring the joys of swimming freely before realizing the downsides, like the cold and bigger, hungrier fish. Ultimately, it’s a gentle and humorous tale that champions the power of imagination while subtly reinforcing the comfort and security of being oneself. It's a perfect, cozy read-aloud for validating big feelings about small responsibilities.