Never Judge A Book By It's Cover!

Have you ever judged someone on their appearance before getting to know them? 

In the wide blue sea swims Big Al, a big-hearted fish who is as friendly as he is scary-looking. While other fish swim together in schools, Big Al swims alone. He  wants to swim with the other fish, but his big eyes, his huge size, and his mouthful of sharp teeth scare away all the other fish. Big Al tries different tactics to get the fish to like him but nothing seems to work. Big Al seems destined to swim alone, until a fisherman's net drops silently around all the fish. He bites a hole in the net and allows the fish to escape, but he is caught. Because of his hideous appearance the fishermen throw Big Al back into the ocean. The grateful fish welcome Big Al as their new friend and hero!

Big Al by Andrew Clements is fantasy because it tells a story about fish with human characteristics. The fish talk, laugh, and joke with each other. Big Al cries big salty tears when the other fish are too frightened to be his friend. In this short story, Big Al copes with issues and challenges in his life that offers readers a window into his human-like conditions. Big Al shows contemporary life-the joys of friendship as well as the challenges of making friends-for readers. Big Al's appearance is both his strength and his weakness. His appearance frightens all the other fish but his sharp teeth cut the net to save the little fish. His scary appearance made the fishermen throw him back into the ocean instead of killing him. Big Al has a very original plot that is believable and appropriate for the intended audience. His controversial issues are presented openly and honestly. The conflict in this story is person or fish against society. The ocean is the setting of the story and the author draws the reader in making them feel like they are swimming around in the ocean as well. The illustrations are alive with the magnificent colors of tropical fish. The limited third-person point of view in this story  focuses on the perspective of Big Al. The readers get a good sense of how he thinks and feels. The underlying meaning of the story is being accepted for who you are and the importance of friendship.  Big Al is full of expression, from his longing for friendship to the fierceness of his courage. This realistic fiction book tells us that true friendship is based not on what someone or "some fish" looks like, but on the depth of one friend's devotion to another.