Fire Fish
Davy Liu
Kendu Films

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Fire Fish: Fins Refined by Fire is a lovely, slim volume intended for the upper primary – middle grade reader. The narrative begins with Sarai, who never missed the Fin Race. As soon as light sparkled on the current the little perch swam up where she found a good place to watch the race. The biggest and smartest fish all joined in the Fin Race where each day a few won by catching the food that appeared at sunrise. They disappeared into the Bright Beyond. How she hoped to become a fire fish in the Bright Beyond.

Sesom, Sarai’s shy little brother wished he could race for lovely food. He was hungry. Momma pointed out that the Finmaker had made them not fast but steady swimmers. Pappa soon appeared bringing a strand of seaweed for breakfast. The sea weed was almost gone when Momma spotted a croc.

Unaware of the net above until it caught Momma and Pappa the perch all swam away from the croc. As he disappeared Pappa called to the three little perch telling them to swim to the Turtle Pool to ask for help.

The story continues with the little perch on their quest to learn what to do to reunite with their parents. The meet a kindly turtle, a hungry eel, helpful porpoise, a frightened sea horse and baby octopus, and a killer whale and a wall of great whites.

Writer/Illustrator Davy Liu has created a stunning, elegant volume sure to please young listeners and young readers. In this tale of a family of perch who are parted for a time when a fishing net catches Momma and Pappa Perch we follow the young perch on their quest to locate their parents.

After awhile, the three explore a tunnel and this begins their journey of hope, faith, and trust as they dodge danger and search for their parents.

FIRE FISH presents a well written tale of faith, hope and patience.

Illustrations are well executed, the story of the young fish is filled with breathless moments and hope and fulfillment. Liu's Invisible Tails books are centered upon animals who happen to be present during important Biblical events. FIRE FISH and the three anxious juvenile river perch make a trek to the Red Sea in search of their parents while their story overlaps with the Biblical story of Moses and the Exodus.

The little fish learn to pray in faith producing, unselfish manner, later they learn how to tell others about the power of prayer. Illustrator Liu's outstandingly exquisite artwork is engaging for little children as well as older ones. Text used is beyond the scope of Kindergarten – Grade 1, however, my First Grade children enjoy hearing the tale and viewing the illustrations. Teaching in a public school I do not add any personal view to the pictured Biblical illustrations, but listen as the children recognize and comment upon the scenes showing the parting of the Red Sea, the crossing of the Children of Israel and the sweep of water as the Pharaoh and his soldiers are caught in the water.

The Biblical overtones will cause the book to be readily received in Sunday Schools and religion based education programs. Happy to recommend.