My name is Rainbow Fish. I am beautiful!

A long way out in the deep blue sea there lived a fish. 

Not just an ordinary fish, but the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean. 

His scales were every shade of blue and green and purple, with sparkling silver scales among them. 

The other fish were amazed at his beauty. 

They called him Rainbow Fish and always invited him to come and play with them. 

But the Rainbow Fish would just glide past and wouldn’t join them. 

Please, give me one of your shiny scales!

Whaaaaaat?!

One day, a little blue fish followed after him.

“Rainbow Fish, wait for me! Please give me one of your shiny scales. They are so wonderful and you have so many.”

“You want me to give you one of my special scales? Who do you think you are? Get away from me!” 

Shocked, the little blue fish swam away. 

He was so upset, he told all his friends what had happened. From then on, no one would have anything to do with the Rainbow Fish. 

What good were the dazzling, shimmering scales with no one to admire them? 

Now he was the loneliest fish in the entire ocean. 

Why doesn’t anybody like me?

Go to the wise octopus!

One day he poured out his troubles to the starfish.

“I really am beautiful. Why doesn’t anybody like me?”

“I can’t answer that for you, but if you go beyond the coral reef to the deep cave you will find the wise octopus, she can help you.”

Be kind!

What should I do?

The Rainbow Fish found the cave. It was very dark inside and he couldn’t see anything. Then suddenly two eyes caught him in their glare and the octopus emerged from the darkness.

“I have heard of your problem.  This is my advice. Beauty comes in many forms. We are all beautiful in our own special way. Try to find beauty in others and let them know they are special too. This way you will all find happiness."

"Thank you wise octopus! I shall go and find something good in everyone."