I AM NOT A FISH!

I AM NOT A FISH is a humorous and "splashy" story from a former Disney animator, about a jellyfish with an identity crisis who learns how to be himself with a little help from friends.

Edgar is a jellyfish, but he doesn't look, act, or feel very much like a "fish." With a little help though from some friendly starfish, Edgar realizes that labels aren't important, and he should celebrate what makes him unique!

Rejects Easy Labels: Like many young people, Edgar is tired of being labeled--and so darn incorrectly! With the help of a few empathetic listeners, however, he begins to appreciate that what he's called isn't as important as the special qualities that make him who he is.

Funny AND informative : Children will love Edgar's humor and vulnerability, as well as the animated and colorful sea creatures around him. Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate that young readers are learning a few educational tid-bits about marine life along the way!

A celebration of friendship and of quiet time: Edgar finds support through talking his problems out with a group of helpful starfish, and comes to his own conclusion about how to reconcile his differences with other fish. He learns that sometimes the best idea is to take time by yourself to just "float" with your thoughts.

Environmental theme: Aquariums often highlight the dangers of bigger fish mistaking plastic bags in the ocean for jellyfish and the author includes a subtle nod to that in the book. Deeply passionate about ocean cleanup, author/illustrator Pete Raymundo has written a timely author's note about the dire need to protect our oceans.

Peter Raymundo was 21 years old when he went to work for Walt Disney Studios as part of their Feature Animation Division. There he drew (and drew and drew) for films such as Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch and Mulan. Besides I Am Not a Fish, Pete is also the author-illustrator of the picture book The Monkey and the Bee, as well as the Third Grade Mermaid chapter book series. Pete draws inspiration from the ocean and says it gives him "an endless backdrop for fun and meaningful stories." He and his family live in Celebration, Florida.