Tropical Terry

"Tropical Terry" by Jarvis is a vibrant and heartwarming picture book about a small, ordinary blue fish named Terry who longs to be as flashy as the other tropical fish in Coral Reef City. Feeling unremarkable, Terry, with the help of his friends, creates an elaborate costume to transform himself into "Tropical Terry." While initially enjoying the attention, he soon realizes that being the center of attention isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when a hungry eel named Eddie appears. The story beautifully illustrates that true worth and specialness come from within and from the unique qualities one possesses, rather than from outward appearances or popularity. It's perfect for children aged 4-8, offering a gentle narrative about self-acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be oneself.

From author-illustrator Jarvis comes a buoyant underwater tale about a little blue fish who learns that being dazzling isn’t what makes you special. Coral Reef City is home to the most brilliant tropical fish in the ocean. Sparkling and multicolored, they swim around and around, showing off. And then there’s Terry. Small, blue, and ordinary, Terry spends his days playing hiding games with his friends and wishing the tropical fish would play with him, too. So with the help of his friends, Terry fashions a flashy, dazzling costume and transforms into Tropical Terry. But life as the center of attention isn’t quite everything Terry dreamed it would be — especially once Eddie the Eel shows up, hungry for dinner. In a bright, cheerful story, Jarvis uses his vibrant art and heartwarming wit to prove that sometimes the things you thought made you unremarkable are actually the most special qualities of all.