Rainbow Fish Resources for Preschool Storytime

Finding the right Rainbow Fish resources can make storytime feel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Stop the wiggles! Reading to preschoolers is a challenge when attention wanders, and little bodies start to move.

Over the years, I’ve learned that simple, hands-on book activities for preschoolers make a big difference. After reading The Rainbow Fish countless times, I’ve found the story truly clicks when children have tactile props to touch.

Using a few physical props helps keep preschoolers engaged and makes the message of sharing easier to understand. Turn read-aloud time into an interactive experience with puppets or props, bringing the story to life without extra prep.

Collage of Rainbow Fish activities and toys including the Rainbow Fish book, peg dolls, felt fish pieces, and a rainbow fish puppet for preschool storytime

At a Glance

Best for ages: 3–6
Prep level: Low prep
Best for: Interactive storytime, ocean units, social-emotional learning (sharing)
What you’ll find:
• Tactile Puppets: Sequined resources to mimic the book’s texture.
• Felt Board Sets: Tools for visual sequencing and storytelling.
• Interactive Games: Low-prep ways to practice sharing.
• Expert Tips: My “teacher-tested” methods for classroom engagement.
Where to shop: Amazon + trusted small businesses (Etsy)

My Top Three Picks

Here are the top picks for your classroom or home library:

  • Best for Groups: A large-scale flannel board set. For a full classroom, felt sets provide a clear visual of character progression as scales are shared with friends.
  • Best Overall Prop: A soft rainbow fish puppet that’s easy for preschoolers to hold and use during storytime. Turn read-aloud time into an interactive experience with puppets or props, bringing the story to life without extra prep.
  • Best Budget Pick: Holographic scale stickers or printable DIY kits. These are perfect for large groups where you want every child to leave with their own “glittering” treasure without breaking the bank.

The Best Rainbow Fish Resources for Your Classroom

The Rainbow Fish (Hardcover)
The Rainbow Fish (Hardcover)
While it comes in many formats, the hardcover edition is the gold standard for classroom storytime. The larger pages allow the shimmery scales to catch the light beautifully during circle time, making it easier for a group of children to stay engaged as they learn the valuable lesson that sharing leads to true happiness.
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Rainbow Fish Plush
This is the perfect companion for your lesson on sharing. It features the signature shimmery scale set amid vibrant blues, greens, and purples, giving children a tactile way to connect with the character.
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Rainbow Fish 36-Piece Glittery Puzzle Box
Rainbow Fish 36-Piece Glittery Puzzle Box
I love using this puzzle for small-group rotations. The extra-large pieces are perfectly sized for small hands (ages 3+), and finishing the puzzle gives children a sense of accomplishment while reinforcing their visual memory of the characters we just met in the story.
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Rainbow Fish Storytelling Set
This is my #1 recommendation for teachers. The removable scales are a “game-changer” because they allow students to physically participate in the sharing process. Instead of just hearing the story, the children become part of the narrative as they receive a “glitter scale” of their own.
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Rainbow Fish Peg Dolls
These peg dolls are my favorite addition to a sensory bin or block center. They are exceptionally durable for classroom use and provide a wonderful “small-world” play experience.
I love using them to observe how children retell the story in their own words, which is a key indicator of their reading comprehension and understanding of the theme of sharing.
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Rainbow Fish Deluxe Storytelling Puppet
This is the most engaging prop you can own for this unit. Because it's a large-scale hand puppet, you can make the Rainbow Fish “talk” directly to the students.
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Rainbow Fish Craft Kit
I love using this kit as a culminating activity for the unit. It is an excellent way for preschoolers to practice their fine motor skills through gluing the 'scales', while also providing a tangible reminder of the story's message.
My favorite tip: Have the children trade one of their “glitter scales” with a classmate during the craft to simulate the act of sharing from the story!
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Wrapping up a Rainbow Fish unit is all about celebrating the “shimmer” in every student. By using a mix of tactile puppets, engaging books, and hands-on crafts, you turn a simple storytime into a lifelong lesson on the joy of generosity.

Whether you are using the plush for comfort during circle time or the puppet to physically practice sharing scales, these resources help make social-emotional learning concrete for preschoolers. Happy teaching, and may your classroom always be as bright and colorful as the Rainbow Fish himself!

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