A Fish Out Of Water Is A Children's Book By Helen Palmer Geisel, And Illustrated By P. D. Eastman. The Book Is Based On A Short Story By Palmer's Husband Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), "Gustav The Goldfish", Which Was Published With His Own Illustrations In Redbook Magazine In June 1950. The Story Is About A Boy Who Buys A Fish, Named Otto, From A Pet Shop. The Pet Shop Owner, "Mr. Carp," Gives The Boy Instructions On How To Care For The Fish, Including Strict Feeding Instructions: "Never Feed Him A Lot. Never More Than A Spot! Or Something May Happen. You Never Know What." When The Boy Ignores These Instructions Out Of Compassion For His New Pet, Otto Begins To Outgrow His Fishbowl. This Leads The Boy To Move Him Into Several Different Vases And A Bathtub Until The House Fills Up With Water. The Boy Requests Help From A Police Officer And The Fire Department Who Help Him Take Otto Down To The Local Pool.