Rating: 
Summary: I'm reviewing all my old prejudices about the South...
Review: ... because the reader from Nashville a few reviews previously said so well what's best about this book. It's a great read for kids, and it has no moral. Whenever I, as a child, was forced to read one of those idiotic "reading is fun" books written by adults for other adults to buy for children, I questioned the value of the skill of reading. Whenever I read something that was genuinely fun to read, I knew why I suffered through the idiotic things I was assigned to read in school.The Day I Swapped My Dad For 2 Goldfish is one of those fun books that makes up for any number of stupid moralistic reading assignments, and grownups with a sense of humor will enjoy it as much as children. Neil Gaiman, a fine adult fantasy writer, can be far more childlike than any childrens' writer active today, and that is the greatest compliment I can think of to give him. Buy this book for your kids. Read it to them aloud. You'll have as much fun as they will.
Rating:
Summary: Don't trade it for anything
Review: When I was ten, I wanted a red electric guitar more than anything else in the world. I coveted it so much - and the resulting super stardom I was positive it would bring me - that I would readily trade anything (or anyone) for it. Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for my parents, considering my decided lack of musical talent) the music store was a strictly cash only venture. Thus, I have remained electric guitar-less and completely unfamous until this day. Not that I'm still bitter or anything. If you're like me, and have ever wondered what would have happened if your primal childhood urge to trade away your loved ones for cash and merchandise was realized you need look no further than Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean's new book, _The Day I Swapped My Dad for 2 Goldfish_. Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean are better known for their work in the comic book realm, giving all of us who are secret children's literature addicts a reasonable excuse to buy picture books (I'm just buying it because I'm a big fan, really). As you may have grasped from the title, the story centres around a young boy who trades his dad for his friend's goldfish (personally, I think he made a bad trade; dads should be worth at least _three_ goldfish, and maybe one of those plastic diver guys). What makes the story special is the way in which it's told. The text is incorporated into the pictures, rather than being a separate narrative. The illustrations themselves were my favourite part of the book. I like pictures. Alot. I think there should be more pictures in adult books, but the publishing companies don't seem to agree with me. Dave McKean has illustrated the book in his classic semi-collage style, but without the darker elements that might frighten young children. If you're a fan of McKean's work, the book is worth buying just for his artwork alone. This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. Buy, borrow or trade yourself a copy as soon as possible. (Oh yes, and your kids might like it too - if they can tear it away from you, that is.)
Rating: 
Summary: fascinating illustrations make this simple story captivating
Review: A boy and his sister are left alone with their newspaper-reading dad for a day. A friend comes over with two neat goldfish, and with a flash of inspiration, the boy trades his dad for them. When Mom comes home, the sister rats on the trade, and the two sibs are sent off to undo a whole series of trades to recover their father. The vivid illustrations are wonderful overlays of ink drawings on collage and graphics that bring the story to life, recapturing a child's point of view for the adult, adding making the fantastic and humorous story credible.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully illustrated children's book with NO MORAL.
Review: A richly illustrated story about a boy who trades his father for two goldfish, and then has to get him back when his mom finds out. It reads like a child, thinks like a child, and it doesn't have a moral to teach. Just pure reading bliss. I love it!
Rating:
Summary: Should we just proclaim them gods now and save time?
Review: Anything that Dave draws is bound to be remarkable; anything that Neil writes is bound to be stunning. Anything that they do together is remarkable, stunning, and overall greatness. Beautiful and fun book. Love it. And that isn't just the Dave/Neil worshipper in me talking. Judging the book on its own merits.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST art, what I've come to expect
Review: As a fan of Sandman, I am totally enjoying Gaiman's other work. You see, I cried when Morpheus died and I harbored quite the set of feelings for that certain immortal. Then, I read Stardust. So mystical, magical and pleasant to read. Just so refreshing. But this is The Day I swapped my dad for Two Goldfish. And the art is soooo fabulous. I love it, and I can't wait to share it with my niece and nephew.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!
Review: As usual, Gaiman and McKean do an amazing job with story and art. I'd love to see more of Galveston and the Queen of Melanesia. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I wanted the book to be longer
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant! A delightful montage of a child's view of trading
Review: I am a huge fan of Gaimen and McKean. But this time they have outdone theirselves. The illustrations and montages' are extroadinary and capture the child's view brilliantly. Also they capture the adults view upon a child's world. I love the mixed media and the way McKean pulls focus on the different objects with his use of photography. A fantastic medium for both adults and children to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Simply wonderful
Review: I bought a copy for myself and was amused by the story and amazed at the art. I regularly admire the illustrations between readings to my children. I absolutely adore this book, have lent my copy to friends, and am giving it as a gift to those special parent friends of mine. Don't miss this book. Order two and have them delivered seperately, in case one gets lost or delayed in the post.
Rating:
Summary: laugh out loud
Review: I didn't think Neil Gaiman could do a children's book. Boy, am I glad that I decided to give this book a try, because I was wrong! I just read in an online interview with Neil Gaiman that he and Dave McKean will be working on other books for children. I must say, I am looking forward to those.
| 
