Big Al and Shrimpy

The second book that Clements wrote including his character Big Al. We are introduced to a new character here who in the beginning has no friends because he is different. This story is meant to teach young children about friendship. Even when people seem different, they can be a great friend. Shrimpy and Al become best friends because they are slower than the rest of the fish and can only tag each other during games. Al teaches Shrimpy not to be afraid of the deep, dark water. One day they are exploring and Al gets stuck in a rock. Shrimpy's courage is tested because he has to lead theother fish down into the dark water to save Al. He comes up with an idea to make the water brighter. He brings a lantern fish. They save Big Al and have a party for Shrimpy. This book is also good when studying friendship or the ocean.

Clements, A. and Yoshi. (2002) Big Al and Shrimpy. Simon and Schuster: New York.

Big Al

Big Al is the story of a courageous fish that showed the true meaning of friendship. All the fish in the ocean were afraid of Al because of his looks. He tried to be like them, but he always ended up scaring the fish away. One day he saw the fish in danger. They had been caught in a fisherman's net! Big Al was strong and tore a hole in the net. The little fish were free. However, the net caught Big Al. They watched helplessly as he was pulled up to the surface. The fishermen saw Al and then released him because of his looks. Now, all the fish are his friends.
Al is the fish that sets an example. When reading this book with your class, please remind them that the other fish should have been his friend regardless of his looks. Poor Al! I think that conversation is important to show the children that people don't have to prove something to you, so you will be their friend. Otherwise, this is a fun book that will inspire the children's interest in the ocean. A great fictional story to include in an ocean unit.
Clements, A. and Yoshi. (1988) Big Al. Simon and Schuster: New York.