The Strangest Fish

A Bank Street Best Book 2025
2025 Kansas NEA Reading Circle List

★ “Arden’s lyrical, conversational text emphasizes the strong bond between Daisy and her new pet despite their limited time together; she makes clear that caring for another living being can alter us forever. With thick brushstrokes and a cool palette dominated by blues and browns, Marwan’s stunning pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations capture this unconditional nurturing bond, the concept of metamorphosis, and the transformative nature of autumn…A deeply empathetic look at the magic of love and compassion.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Fantastical and beautiful. The Strangest Fish is an excellent book about friendship. Daisy wins October, the strangest fish, at the fair and tries her best to take care of them. A book you will want to read over and over.”—Michelle Weiler, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

“Digitally finished pen, ink, and watercolor spreads by Marwan…have a dreamy, Kandinsky-esque feel, with bright reds fading into pinks and greens, lavenders and mauves…Daisy is faithful to her unprepossessing prize, and Arden…fittingly rewards this loyalty throughout an unexpected series of events that focuses on bonds and transformations established through tending.” —Publishers Weekly

“In Arden’s lyrical picture book debut, Marwan’s blending of watercolors captures the cozy autumn fair ambiance and the unwavering bond between a girl and her new pet…The double-page spreads of the lake foreshadow the mystery behind October, as Daisy—and young readers—are in for a big surprise in this compassionate read about the power of imagination and finding the magic of friendships in their everyday lives.” –Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This debut picture book from popular novelist Arden incants a spell of weird individuality and wonder… Both Arden’s text and Marwan’s whimsical watercolors intrigue.” —Booklist