Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
by Kelly Bennett
Illus. by Noah Z. Jones

(Candlewick Press, Spring 2005)
ISBN:  0763623849 — Hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-0763627638 — PB

Norman the goldfish isn't what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet--one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don't go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought?

Awards:

  • Texas Institute of Letters Friends of the Austin Public Library’s Best Children’s Book for 2005.  
  • CBC (Children's Book Council) Children's Choice
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2006 Gold Medal
  • A FamilyFun Magazine Best Children’s Book for 2005
  • Booktrust Book of the Month for August 2005

Reviews:

From School Library Journal

The story is told in simple, straightforward language, and the clear lines and vibrant colors of the digital graphics are reminiscent of Taro Gomi's work. This is a sweet story that could be used as a springboard to discussion of the pitfalls of making snap judgments about pets–or people.”


From Booklist

…Repeated several times during the story, the title phrase "Not Norman" takes on a new shade of meaning in the verbally clever turnaround that concludes this amusing picture book. Distilled to essential shapes and flat colors, the lively digital artwork expresses both action and emotion with flair. This eye-catching book makes a satisfying read-aloud choice for pet day or any day.”

From Publisher’s Weekly

This emotional turnaround never feels forced or pat, thanks to a strong partnership between Bennett's text and newcomer Jones's artwork. The off-the-cuff yet kidlike prose ideally suits the bright, crisp, digital drawings."

From the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The narrator's plaintive voice will be a familiar echo of many youngsters' disappointed responses to unwanted gifts, and there's enough rueful humor in his response to the predicament to keep it light."

From Time Out New York Kids:

An inventive interpretation of the old adage 'Don't judge a book by its cover,' NOT NORMAN is the perfect book for dog-resistant parents to read to their puppy-worshipping kids—as long as they're willing to take on a new goldfish or two."