I really thought this ended up being a perfect project for a pre-K child, very easy and preschooler-friendly.

However, I would like to bring up my husband's loud criticism of the Rainbow Fish book by Marcus Pfister - or as he calls it Communist Fish.

This criticism is also discussed in the reader reviews on Amazon, and I do think it is a valid criticism. (The criticism being, that the fish character in this book earns his friends by giving away his 'shiny scales', i.e., material possessions.)

Still, I think the weight of this issue will be lost on most young children, who will simply see a beautifully illustrated book with a basic message about sharing. The message taken away from the story can be either positive or undesirable, but all of this is shaped by the discussion parents and teachers have with children, and discussion should always go along with reading. That, in my opinion, is far more important than whether Marcus Pfister is a misguided socialist or not.

Obviously children need to be taught both about selflessness and charity, as well as about respecting oneself and how real friends are not those who abuse your generosity. This book is just a tool that can open a door to these important discussions.