Book excerpt: Follow Richard the growing goldfish from an indoor tank to an outdoor pond in a story filled with gorgeous multilayered illustrations and sprinkled with fascinating facts. When I was four, I got my first pet: a fish no bigger than my hand, with red and orange scales. My very own goldfish! In his big tank in the kitchen, Richard the goldfish quickly bonds with--and even learns to recognize--his human companion, who tells him all about his day after school. A visiting friend, Sandy, shares some cool fish facts: Did you know that goldfish nap with their eyes open--because they don't have eyelids? Or that they can let you know they're hungry by swimming up and blowing bubbles? Sandy has a backyard pond filled with goldfish of all shapes and jewel-like colors, some much bigger (and older) than his friend's new pet. What might Richard's own future hold? Drawn in by the expressive illustrations and child-friendly tone, readers will emerge with a new appreciation for the beauty and personality of these classic pets. Kids inspired to care for a goldfish of their own will find a list of things they will need in the back matter.