A Bit of Grit: The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish
Stephanie Guzman
Not So Plain Jane Publishing (2024)
ISBN: 978-1596640269
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning and Lydia (age 10) for Reader Views (12/2024)
The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish is a series by Stephanie Guzman that presents mini lessons for younger readers and listeners and a good reminder for the older ones. It portrays realistic situations for Oliver and his friends, relevant to both young and old. “A Bit of Grit” is the fourth book in the series (reading the books in order is not required) that shows Oliver struggling with self-confidence, bravery, and self-acceptance.
The school talent show is coming soon, and Oliver is talking with his friend Millie the Mermaid. He wants to learn a magic trick to amaze the audience! However, Oliver doubts himself and his abilities, often mentioning Millie’s successes and apparent ease at everything she does – such as playing piano, singing, and participating in a game called Octopush. He doesn’t understand why he puts in so much effort, but Millie seems to accomplish everything effortlessly.
To his surprise, Millie reveals her secret – not everything came simple to her at first; she had to practice to become as skilled as she is now. She explains that when you keep trying, you have grit. Oliver listens and practices, but by the night of the talent show, this doesn’t stop him from still feeling anxious. However, he knows that even if he fails, it is all part of the process. This reminder brings some relief and helps him let go of the worries that might have overwhelmed him.
“A Bit of Grit” is the second book I have read with my kids in this series written by Stephanie Guzman and illustrated by Katelyn Guzman. The other book was the first in the series, “Acting Cool,” which also conveyed a valuable lesson. What someone experiences internally or socially is not always visible or known, making it necessary to be proactive. Internal conflict has the equal, if not greater, potential to cause lasting issues. When readers see real-world events unfold in fictional scenes, it can help them learn how to handle similar situations when they inevitably arise, ultimately reducing overall stress, anxiety, and negative feelings.
From Lydia (age 10) – I liked the story because it teaches you that even when you don’t think you can do something, with a little bit of practice, you can. This has been true for me, especially right before Christmas when I had to play a piano song, initially hard for me, in front of others; I practiced and practiced, and on the night to perform, I did great, and it was much easier! The lesson in this story can be for any age – if you feel like you are about to or want to give up, it can give you motivation and determination. I also liked that there was a mermaid and how, in the back, there are facts about mermaids and Octopush, which is a real game!