The Fish with the
Deep Sea Smile
Stories and Poems for Reading to Young Children

by Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by Roberta Rauch

One of the first books published by Margaret Wise Brown, this compilation of sketches, songs, and stories, called a "classic" by Wilson Library Bulletin (5/88), gives the full flavor of this very gifted writer’s early work.

In her involvement with children under Lucy Sprague Mitchell at Bank Street College of Education, Ms. Brown sought a synthesis of music and rhythm with children’s real interests and concerns in her storytelling. Fish is meant to be read aloud to children, almost as songs are sung. So good and so seminal are the pieces here that many become full-length picture books in later years.

Included are such favorites as "The Shy Little Horse," "The Good Little Bad Little Pig," "The Steam Roller," "Bugs," and "Christmas Eve," plus many of Brown’s "Sleepy Stories," all just right for read-aloud booksharing.

About the Author

Margaret Wise Brown is the author of the best-selling Goodnight, Moon and over 100 other books for children.

Looking for more stories? See our list of Folktales and Storytelling books.