The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile Book Review: An Ocean Picture Book
Margaret Wise Brown's underwater picture book, illustrated by Henry Fisher: a curious fish explores the ocean and its creatures. For readers aged 3 and up.
Take a small child to an aquarium and watch their face against the glass. Fish, jellyfish, something they cannot name: every tank is a new question. This book brings that feeling home for bedtime.
In this Fish with the Deep Sea Smile book review we look at Margaret Wise Brown's underwater story: what happens, how the pictures look, the age it suits and why it makes a good gift.
The short answer The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile is a children's picture book written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Henry Fisher. A curious fish explores the depths of the ocean and meets sea creatures from playful dolphins to graceful jellyfish. It suits readers aged 3 and up who enjoy exploration and the natural world.

ISBN: 9781472317902
The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile book review: the story
The book takes readers on an underwater adventure full of mystery and wonder.
A curious fish sets off to explore the depths of the ocean. Along the way it meets one fascinating sea creature after another, from playful dolphins to graceful jellyfish.
The fish's journey is a celebration of the beauty and variety of marine life.
Why children and parents love it
Margaret Wise Brown's lyrical words and Henry Fisher's artwork work together to pull readers into an underwater world.
Children are drawn to the colourful characters and playful scenes. Adults appreciate the gentle message about exploring, discovering and caring for the natural world.
Henry Fisher's illustrations
The pictures are colourful and full of life, from shimmering coral reefs to the mysterious ocean floor.
Each page captures the beauty of the underwater world in rich detail. Expressive characters and bright colours invite children to dive into the pages and swim along with the fish.
What age is it for?
It is a children's picture book suited to readers aged 3 and up who enjoy tales of exploration, adventure and nature.
The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile book for kids who love the sea
As children follow the fish, they imagine themselves exploring the ocean, meeting unusual sea creatures and finding hidden treasures.
The book builds curiosity about the natural world and a sense of wonder at the variety of marine life.
Read-aloud tip Let your child name each creature before you read the words. If they do not know one, look it up together afterwards. That is how a picture book turns into a small science lesson.
About the author, Margaret Wise Brown
Margaret Wise Brown was a prolific author known for children's books that celebrate the wonders of nature. Here she invites readers on an underwater journey that encourages curiosity, exploration and respect for marine life.
Similar books about the ocean
- "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister
- "Commotion in the Ocean" by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz
- "Mister Seahorse" by Eric Carle
Gift it right: The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile as a birthday gift
An ocean picture book is a lovely pick among books as birthday gifts for kids aged 3 and up, especially for a child who is already mad about the sea. Add a sea-themed name label inside the cover and a name sticker on the wrapping.
See all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile?
Margaret Wise Brown wrote it, and Henry Fisher illustrated it.
What age is The Fish with the Deep Sea Smile for?
It is a picture book for readers aged 3 and up.
What is the book about?
A curious fish exploring the ocean and meeting sea creatures such as dolphins and jellyfish, a celebration of marine life.
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