The children’s book The Tail of Little Bit by Linda Hickam is based on a true story about a tiny goldfish born in the little pond in their front yard. From the start, they knew there was something wrong with Little Bit, as they named him. He was odd looking in the face, with bug eyes, and he had a hump on his back and a curved tail that made him swim strangely, only in a spiral way, and up and down. The other goldfish in the pond did not like him and they were mean to him, so much so that he had to stay hidden under a rock.
After it became clear that he was not eating well, “PondMom” and “PondDad” decided to bring Little Bit inside to give him special help. He thrived inside his tank, so they bought him a friend, Buddy, a beautiful goldfish with flowing silver fins and tail. At first, Buddy didn’t like Little Bit because of the odd way he looked, but Pond Mom told him, “Little Bit can’t change the way he looks but you can change the way you feel about it.” Buddy accepted this, and he and Little Bit grew closer, with Buddy even helping to feed his tiny friend. After a while, Buddy didn’t even notice that Little Bit was different.
Eventually, Little Bit and Buddy grew too big for aquariums, so they needed to be returned to the pond. Although the PondParents feared the worst for Little Bit, his friend Buddy was not only beautiful but wise. When food was put in the pond, Buddy, although stronger and faster than all the pond goldfish, held back until Little Bit was able to eat. When asked why, he told the Leader goldfish: “I once thought like you, but now I know he couldn’t change the way he is, but I could change the way I felt about him. You can, too.” Leader Fish saw the wisdom and goodness in Buddy’s attitude. Before long, the two new aquarium fish were a happy part of the pond’s goldfish family.
What People Say
The beautiful story of the goldfish, “Little Bit,” calls forth the best in all of us. This story of belonging, friendship, acceptance, and helping the disadvantaged is a story our souls not only yearn for but need. All ages will love this book! —Rev. Dale Clem, author of Winds of Fury, Circles of Grace, and 40 Days in the Wilderness
In this beautifully illustrated book, Linda Hickam weaves a true story about her goldfish, Little Bit, and the rejection and bullying of Little Bit by the other goldfish in the pond. This heartwarming story teaches young and old about friendship, inclusion, acceptance, and caring for others in a unique way that will touch the hearts of all. —Dr. Jan Davis, three-time Space Shuttle astronaut and author of Air Born: Two Generations in Flight and Air Born: Artistic Musings of a WWII Pilot and POW
The sweet and true story of our baby goldfish, Little Bit, who was so brave. —Homer Hickam, Author Rocket Boys/October Sky
Little Bit and Buddy navigate the waters of true friendship showing how to celebrate the differences that make us unique. Don’t miss the chance to share this inspiring, beautifully illustrated story with your little ones. — Dreama Denver, Award Winning Author of the “Four Bears in a Box” children’s books series, Actress/Producer
I started reading Little Bit’s story and couldn’t stop. Even I learned something about goldfish! I’m going to buy these for my grandchildren. —Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, Elite FFCP-V, “America’s Veterinarian,” author, and Founder of Fear Free
This book is a great reminder that fish are just like people. Don’t judge until you get to know them because you could miss out on a great friendship! —Kevin Sizemore, Actor/Producer www.imdb.me/kevinsizemore
Charlotte Baldwin, Child Psychotherapist, Grandmother –
“The Tail of Little Bit” is a charming story of a beautiful little fish that was born with differences. The story follows the struggles of Little Bit that closely parallel those of differently able children. But as my eight year-old granddaughter said after reading the book, “it teaches us all how to be accepting of each other’s uniqueness and to have the courage to stand up for each other.” Plus, there are some very helpful tips for caring for your own goldfish, and a delightful coloring book to extend the fun.