The book tells of a young carp, Ro, swimming in a stream when he is caught by humans and imprisoned in a tank. Initially disoriented, he soon adapts to his new home and befriends its "residents" such as: the Goldfish sisters, Crab Kenh, Turtle, and Pleco. Despite their diverse personalities, they gradually learn to coexist. Unexpectedly, Ro, who becomes known as Ro Dong, emerges as their leader, igniting in them a collective desire to return to the rice fields.

Ro Dong then devises an escape plan. Among the group, some offer calm encouragement, stating: "Freedom has its price, no one should discourage the whole group." Others express worry, asking: "Do you believe we can escape and that life outside will be better?" As the youngest and strongest, with good respiratory ability, Ro Dong takes the lead. The Goldfish sisters, the Flagfish couple, and Turtle follow. Snail Nhoi clings to Turtle's back for faster movement, with Pleco - Tank Cleaner, and Crab Kenh at the rear, tasked with protecting the entire group.

On their journey home, they face many difficulties and endure bloodshed. Eventually, they reach a small ditch. Just when it seems the story will conclude happily, an unexpected event occurs, leaving each aquarium resident with their own sorrows.

The publication was released by Vietnam Women's Publishing House in early August. Photo: _Publisher provided_

Through this animal story, Uong Trieu constructs a miniature society. This society reflects universal themes of joy, sorrow, mutual support, and the inherent conflicts within relationships.

The author shared that he was born in a mountainous rural area in Quang Ninh. His parents worked as environmental officials and workers, meaning his childhood was deeply connected to fields and mountains. As a child, he spent one-half his day at school and the other half in the forest chopping wood, herding geese and ducks, catching fish in the fields, or joining his mother to catch shrimp, crabs, and fish. These childhood memories, intertwined with nature, remained with him into adulthood.

Later, Uong Trieu noticed that his child and other urban children had limited exposure to nature. They often couldn't even distinguish between a goose and a duck, or a carp and a common carp. This observation inspired him to write children's stories and fables, not only for his own child but for all young readers. "I hope that through these small pages, children will learn more about rural life, the simple and rustic aspects of nature, which are nonetheless vivid and interesting", the writer said.

Uong Trieu, whose real name is Nguyen Xuan Ban, is 49 years old. He originally worked as a foreign language teacher before transitioning to writing. He is recognized as a diligent writer, with published novels including: Tuong Tuong va Dau Vet, Suong Mu Thang Gieng, Nguoi Me, Co Doc, along with several collections of short stories and essays.

By Phuong Linh