By Deb Pilutti

On Sale: Jul 8, 2025
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
ISBN-13: 9780316565271

$18.99

$24.99 CAD

Format

Hardcover

Format:

Hardcover $18.99 $24.99 CAD

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In this endearing picture book about the rewards of self-expression, Henry feels a bit nervous on his first day of school, so he chooses to wear his favorite fish costume to give him courage. Perfect for fans of Dragonboy and Julián Is a Mermaid.

Henry loves the way he feels in his sparkly fish costume. He wears it everywhere he goes: to the grocery store, at the dinner table, and even when taking his fish, Marigold, for a walk. On his first day of school, Henry is feeling anxious. He wishes he could take Marigold with him, but his mom says fish don’t go to school. That’s okay—Henry knows just what to wear to make himself feel braver.

This heartwarming story follows Henry as he faces his fears and makes new friends, all while staying true to himself.

Genre:

Deb Pilutti is the award-winning creator of many books for children, including Old Rock (is not boring), which was a Kirkus Reviews and Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year; Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero, which earned a starred review from School Library Journal; and Ten Rules of Being a Superhero. Deb lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and invites you to visit her online at www.debpilutti.com.

Praise for Fish Don't Go to School
An Amazon Best Book of the Year
A CBC Kids and Teachers Favorite
Featured in Kirkus' Back to School Books

"Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends."
School Library Journal
"An offbeat and empathetic take on handling first-day-of-school anxieties."
Kirkus Reviews
“The third-person narrative excels at representing the child’s viewpoint.... Pilutti’s bright, lively illustrations were created with gouache, wax pastels, and 'a bit of digital painting.' A playful picture book focusing on the first-day-of-school theme.”
Booklist
“[This story] displays the great respect and care with which Pilutti depicts this specific child’s experience… A picture book that should definitely “go to school,” to the library, to homes, and to wherever apprehensive kids and their peers may be.”
Horn Book

Deb Pilutti

About the Author

Deb Pilutti is the award-winning creator of many books for children, including Old Rock (is not boring), which was a Kirkus Reviews and Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year; Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero, which earned a starred review from School Library Journal; and Ten Rules of Being a Superhero. Deb lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and invites you to visit her online at http://www.debpilutti.com.

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