Ugly Fish

Written by Kara LaReau

Narrated by Ezra Knight

Acclaimed children's author Kara LaReau was inspired to write this story after reading an article about school bullies. Ugly Fish is a big, mean and ugly fish. And because he's big and mean, he scares all the other little fish so that he can keep the fish tank all to himself. Ugly Fish enjoys swimming through his driftwood tunnel and eating his special briny food, and he won't share with anyone else. But when an even bigger, meaner fish shows up in the bowl, Ugly Fish doesn't feel so fearless anymore.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781470355883

Kara LaReau

Kara LaReau was an editor at Candlewick Press prior to becoming a full-time writer. She has published many acclaimed picture books for children including Ugly Fish, Rabbit & Squirrel and Otto: The Boy Who Loved Cars. Kara lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her husband and son and their two cats.

Reviews for Ugly Fish

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The eponymous Ugly Fish enjoys having his tank to himself in this darkly amusing picture-book from author Kara LaReau and illustrator Scott Magoon. Each new fish that is added to the tank is eaten by our ugly piscine hero, until loneliness prompts him to try a new tack. Unfortunately for him, the new addition to the tank, Shiny Fish, is just like him, only bigger...The ending of Ugly Fish is sure to raise some eyebrows amongst those who expect picture-book fare to be sweet and light, with edifying morals. For those who enjoy more Jon Klassen-style tales, with a dark, pointed sense of humor however, it will probably be just the ticket. Parents and librarians be warned, the ending here (Ugly Fish is eaten by Shiny Fish

[dmtcer-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Oh my gosh - I did NOT like this book at all! I expected Ugly Fish to find a friend - but instead, he ate the new fish in the tank, and then he faced the same fate when another bigger fish was put into his tank. Totally unredeeming - I am not sure what good qualities I can give this story!

[tsmith44 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good story and had a great message. The story was easy to read and made sense. The lines were repetitive which gave good rhythm to the book. This line repeated itself a couple times throughout the book. “There’s only room in this tank for one fish, ME!” There was good action in this book, which kept the reader on their toes. Lastly the main message of this book was that when you are greedy you become lonely. Also it teaches about karma and that when you are bad to people, they will be bad to you.

[lmeza-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! Simple and beautiful. The repetitiveness was especially helpful!!

[jrlandry1410 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book had me laughing and thinking about important issues at the same time. The book is about a fish, named Ugly Fish, who has the perfect personality to match his name. He loves his tank and wants it all to himself, so when a new fish is added to his tank he tells them there is only room for one fish in this tank--HIM! After eating several new additions to his tank Ugly Fish starts to grow tired of being alone and wishes he had not eaten all his company. He tries to be nice to the next fish who enters his tank, but this new fish doesn't want ugly fish as a friend, he wants him for dinner! So ugly fish is eaten by a bigger fish than him in the end, a bit harsh for kids in my book, but something they need to know about. Karma will always bite you in the end.

[ktinney2315937 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ugly Fish doesn't want to share his drift wood, his tank, or his briny flakes. He eats anyone who he has to share with. Until one day he gets tired of swimming by himself and wants someone to share it with. He gets his wish but that fish doesn't want to share and eats him. This is a good book to use to teach children how to share.

[ebruno_11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ugly Fish is big and mean. When other fish are added to the fish tank Ugly Fish eats them. Then, he becomes lonely with no one to play with and wishes he had not eaten the other fish. One day, a bigger fish is added to the tank and Ugly Fish is very excited to share his tank with another fish, but the bigger fish is hungry and does not want to share the tank.

[adge73 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's like Arlene Sardine, except good. It also reminds me of The Snake that Sneezed. Anyway, good subversive fun.