Fish Don’t Hop (JoJo Leslie, Woodslane Press)

Fish Don’t Hop! by JoJo Leslie is a heartwarming story that takes children on a journey of discovery through nature and the ways animals grow and change.

Maeve is excited when she catches a fish, but her mother gently tells her it is “like a fish, but not a fish” – something Maeve refuses to accept. She creates a home for her “fish” and devotes all her time to caring for it. However, she soon notices changes: it grows legs and arms, then its tail disappears. One day, it hops away, confirming her mother’s earlier observation that fish don’t hop, and it was never a fish but a frog.

Blending imagination with curiosity and playfulness, the book encourages readers to follow along with Maeve’s discoveries, while the poetic, catchy writing adds a charming touch, with the tongue-twisting words making for a fun read-aloud experience.

Leslie’s illustrations are a standout; they are richly detailed and invite children to discover hidden animals and details on each page. A gentle educational element at the end of the book, which reveals which wildlife hops, is a thoughtful addition.

Fish Don’t Hop is for readers aged 1 to 5 who love animal stories.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Abbey Taylor is currently completing a diploma in library and information services in Adelaide, South Australia, and has got her foot into public libraries, working across two local councils. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews