Fish and Clam

Sergio Ruzzier is a two-time Geisel Honor–winning picture book author and illustrator. He was born in Milan, Italy, in 1966 and began his career as an illustrator in 1986. Sergio has written and illustrated many picture books, including Fox & Chick: The Party, a 2019 Geisel Honor Book; Fish and Wave, a 2023 Geisel Honor Book; Two Mice; and more. He was a recipient of the 2011 Sendak Fellowship. His work has won many awards, including the Parents’ Choice Gold Medal for The Room of Wonders and This Is Not a Picture Book!Sergio Ruzzier is a two-time Geisel Honor–winning picture book author and illustrator. He was born in Milan, Italy, in 1966 and began his career as an illustrator in 1986. Sergio has written and illustrated many picture books, including Fox & Chick: The Party, a 2019 Geisel Honor Book; Fish and Wave, a 2023 Geisel Honor Book; Two Mice; and more. He was a recipient of the 2011 Sendak Fellowship. His work has won many awards, including the Parents’ Choice Gold Medal for The Room of Wonders and This Is Not a Picture Book!

The understated plot allows new readers to focus on the well-chosen words and meaningful emotional arc, and Ruzzier’s slightly bonkers visual world-building keeps things fresh. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Ruzzier’s unmissable watercolor artwork yet again features sweet-hearted creatures in warm friendship tales, as he has so deeply mastered. This Level 1 tale, produced by a comics master, manages to weave a lovely story within its tiny word count.  — Booklist (starred review)Fish and Sun are two delightful characters who will touch readers’ hearts. The perfect story for emergent readers and developing visual learners. — School Library Journal (starred review)A captivating new duo.  — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Uncluttered watercolor illustrations, in Ruzzier’s always imaginative, slightly off-kilter style, reinforce the playful action; the natural language and phonetic patterns will serve readers well; and the emotional drama is just right. — Horn Book (starred review)“Ruzzier leaves no stone (or pebble!) unturned in his search for the perfect friendship tale.” — Kirkus ReviewsReading comes easy when comics and sea critters come in fun packages. — Kirkus ReviewsFor transitional readers, a great “first” graphic novel offering tidy etiquette lessons and brimming with wit. — School Library JournalUnlikely duos sorting out how to have fun together are a staple of the beginning reader genre, and this story has added depth in its assertion that sometimes the best way to play is to go with the flow. — Horn Book Magazine