From debut author-illustrator Tom Sullivan comes a surprising and innovative picture book that is both a light introduction to the science of evolution and a tribute to every child’s power to dream big. In I Used to be a Fish , a boy is inspired by a pet fish and fueled by imagination to tell a whimsical version of his own life story, which mirrors the process of human evolution. Children—and adults—will love the Seussian absurdity of this tale. The book features a timeline of life on earth and an author’s note, which includes important facts about evolution. Gr 1–3—In this engaging introduction to the concept of evolution, an unseen narrator describes how he changed from fish to land animal and beyond, eventually becoming a modern boy at the end of the book. Simple, expressive cartoon drawings depict each stage with humor and purpose. Bold lines, plentiful white space, and careful use of just two colors provide clarity and focus throughout the progression. Bright red draws the eye to the featured animal on each page, even when it's only a beard or head of hair. The repeated dot-within-a-circle eyes and consistent composition also support the patterned continuity. The tone is lighthearted but not overdone, with humorous shifts of facial expressions and postures as the world changes with each page turn. When viewers meet the boy at the end, they also spot the pet fish that must have triggered his imaginative musings. Though clearly inspired by evolution, the fanciful story is not an attempt to accurately represent the scientific process, as an author's note confirms. The clever premise and well-conceived visual presentation provide a playful first step into an interesting but potentially daunting topic for younger children. VERDICT A funny, whimsical look at the wonders of evolution and the power of imagination for early elementary collections.—Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR “With a smart sense of humor and a creative sense of wonder, younger readers are introduced to the cool parts of evolution.” - Horn Book (starred review) “Sullivan’s vignettes have a laid-back earnestness…boldly outlined and employing only three colors-bright red, vivid cerulean, and crisp white. An afterword respectfully delves deeper into the science of it all, but irreverence rules the day, and Sullivan proves that, in this regard, he’s a highly evolved talent.” - Publishers Weekly I used to be a fish. But I didn’t like swimming anymore. So I grew some legs. Inspired by a pet fish and fueled by imagination, a boy tells a whimsical version of his own life story, which mirrors the process of human evolution. Simple, surprising, and innovative, Tom Sullivan’s debut is both a light introduction to science and a tribute to every child’s power to transform their lives and to dream big. Tom Sullivan used to be a fish. He also used to be a paper boy, a library page, a sign maker, a cashier, a waiter, a baker, and a graphic designer. He now writes and illustrates books. I Used to Be a Fish is his first one.