Prince and Pirate

Prince the goldfish happily reigns over his small round kingdom. He cavorts in his castle and rides in his carriage without a care. Pirate plunders his own small round domain, equally content with his treasure chest and jaunty schooner. Then comes the fateful day in which both are removed from their familiar homes and placed together in an unfamiliar realm with corners. Pirate fears that this interloper will steal his treasure, and Prince disdains his neighbor’s cheeky attitude. The two build a border between their territories, flinging insults all the while. What will it take to bring these two big shots together?

Gunnufson packs a lot of personality into two little fish. Their belligerent banter, including colorful epithets like “miserable mollusk” and “scurvy sea slug,” generate giggles, and the fishes’ madcap efforts to court favor with “another intruder” charmed my budding readers. Lowery has gifted the characters expressive faces, versatile fins, and some entertaining accessories that contribute to the book’s playful tone. Be prepared to laugh out loud as you follow the fish on their journey from sworn enemies to partners in crime.