Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but, frankly I am shocked that the reviews on this book are so negative! - Rated 
The book is well above one or two star calibre.
It is high in OFSTED's list of acceptable books which is more than you can say for the claptrap that is constantly appearing for young children these days, if you can get them away from playing on the various machines or texting on mobile phones (and I am talking 5 and 6 year olds here!) in the first place!
The story's message is a lot to do with the person you are, or are becoming, or is based on the upbringing one has had, in my opinion.
The story line is nothing new - 'buying friendship' or 'realising that you CAN do without the odd thing or too......especially if it makes another one happy' - it is a personal choice.
Whichever you choose to believe this is aimed at reasonably young children and I have been teaching them for nigh on 40 years!
We get the sharing message across 9 times out of 10!
But, that is the result of good teaching - it is generally eroded when the child returns home!
How to buy friendship? No thanks. Star for graphics. - Rated 
As other reviewers have noted, this is about buying friendship, rather than sharing. Rainbowfish has to give his pretty scales away to other fish in order to stop them from shunning him (after one fish asks for a pretty scale, and Rainbowfish refuses - other fish then persuades remaining fish to shun Rainbowfish until he gives away his scales.).
I note that teachers are encouraging of this book. Not a good reflection of the sort of morals taught in some schools, then. "It's good to shun people if they won't share their prized possessions" (body parts, in this case!), and "Buying friendship is perfectly acceptable".
Book conveys wrong message to children - Rated
Beautiful pictures, BUT
children learn if they have outstanding characteristics, they must downsize to follow their peer-group (pressure).
"If you are beautiful or gifted, do not develop this skill, but adjust to the average" and even "buy" their friendship with gifts-
this message is not useful for children.
Badly written, un-thought-through rubbish - Rated 
One star because the twinkly foil scales are pretty. Otherwise, don't waste your money. The story is that:
if you are beautiful, no one will like you
if you give people presents, they will be your friends
if you are ugly, you'll be more popular
Story is so lightweight it practically floats away and the drawings aren't that hot either (apart from the twinkly scales). Can't believe this rubbish has follow-up books - don't people think when they are reading?
excellent for pre school children - Rated 
I am a teacher for the foundation stage and this book was used to teach the children about sharing. It was throughly enjoyed by all and the activites that lead from this book kept the children entertained for a very long time! it made the planning easier for me too seeing as I also enjoyed the book!I definately recommend it to all other teachers and anyone that has children.
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