Enzo the Wonderfish - Hardcover

Wilcox, Cathy

3.6

20 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395683823 ISBN 13: 9780395683828

Publisher: Ticknor & Fields, 1994

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A little girl who has always wanted a pet receives, for her birthday, Enzo the Wonderfish and proceeds to train him up to his name, with surprising--and rewarding--results. By the author of Andrew Jessup.

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From Publishers Weekly:

Wilcox ( Andrew Jessup ) makes her writing debut with this competently illustrated but lackluster story. An indirect, long-winded beginning establishes that the nameless narrator, the youngest in her family, has pined in vain for a pet. Half-hearted wordplay ("I begged for a dog"; " 'I can't stand to see a bird in a cage,' said Mom, and flew off in a huff") misses the mark as the story continues. Finally, on her birthday, the girl receives Enzo the goldfish. Determined to make the most of her new pet, she finds a library book called "Training Your Pet" and valiantly tries to teach the fish various commands (fetch, heel, stay). Unfortunately, Enzo learns only one lesson--how to leap out of the fishbowl. Yes, a goldfish found after escaping its watery home (landing, in this case, belly-up in a teacup) sometimes revives, but luck needs to be in its favor. When the inert Enzo resumes swimming and the narrator attributes this feat to his ability to "play dead," young readers will be intrigued--and knowledgeable folks may have to start keeping an eye on the aquarium. A few too many false moves. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-The child narrator tells readers that she has always wanted a pet, but her parents find reasons to reject every animal she suggests. On her seventh birthday, they present her with a goldfish. Somewhat disappointed, she is determined to teach it tricks, but, even with help from a library book and personal demonstrations, she can't get Enzo to do anything but swim around. One evening he is found, not in his bowl, but floating in a nearby tea cup not moving at all. Dad plops the fish back into the bowl and soon Enzo is swimming again. The wonderfish has learned its second trick: playing dead. The first, of course, was leaping. Watercolor and pen-and-ink cartoons with amusing details enhance and extend the story in this Australian import. Children will relate to the little girl's persistence and determination as she makes the best of her disappointment. A funny offering.
Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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