A new children's picture book, The Fish with the Smiling Face, aims to teach young readers about friendship, curiosity, and the importance of respecting nature through the story of a girl who discovers an axolotl. The book, written by Dominic Canuto, is set in the peaceful village of Barcus and follows Lanie, a curious young girl who loves exploring the shores of nearby creeks and lakes in search of aquatic creatures.
During one of her springtime adventures, Lanie discovers an unusual pink, fluffy creature unlike anything she has ever seen. Believing it to be a strange fish, she brings it home, names it Bailey, and lovingly cares for her newfound companion. As the days pass, Bailey begins to grow in remarkable ways, gradually developing arms and legs that leave Lanie both amazed and puzzled. When Bailey eventually outgrows his bucket, Lanie faces a difficult but important decision. Rather than keeping her beloved friend confined, she learns that true love sometimes means allowing others the freedom to thrive. Inspired by compassion and creativity, she builds Bailey a connected pond where he can remain close while still enjoying his natural habitat.
The story concludes with the delightful revelation that Bailey was never a fish at all, but an axolotl, a unique amphibian known for its distinctive smile-like appearance and extraordinary biology. This surprising ending encourages children to embrace discovery while sparking an interest in wildlife and the natural world. Designed for young readers, the book blends gentle storytelling with meaningful life lessons about empathy, responsibility, keeping promises, and appreciating the homes that animals belong to. It also provides an accessible introduction to scientific curiosity, making it an excellent addition to family bookshelves, classrooms, and libraries.
The author, Dominic Canuto, drew inspiration from his own childhood interests in nature and animation. His curiosity about nature began during his elementary school years, when he enjoyed catching bugs and developing an early interest in entomology. His fascination with marine life also grew during childhood, when he cared for goldfish as pets. Later, his interest in cartoons and animation became another important passion. Inspired by Stephen Hillenburg's background as both a marine biologist and cartoonist, Canuto found a way to bring his interests in nature, curiosity, and animation together through storytelling.
The book is available through select retailers and online booksellers. For media inquiries, interviews, speaking engagements, or review copies, contact the author or publisher.
