The world is a subjective place. We’re constantly judging people, places and things. Regrettably, aquatic creatures fall into this same prejudicial box. “Critters,” as author Noel Vick, who is a fish expert, calls them, are easily and superficially labeled.

“There’s an unwritten weighting system for animals — fish included,” said Vick, whose “real job” is president at fishing-industry communications company Traditions Media. “Anglers regularly rank fish by how they taste or fight. In a pet store, a colorful fantail goldfish or angelfish get all the attention, while the equally as important Plecostomus — that prehistoric looking bottom feeder — goes unnoticed.”

In his new children’s book “All Fish are Awesome,” Vick features both freshwater and saltwater fish, some well-known, others not so much.

“I wanted to include unique fish species that live in the same or similar environments. Moreover, my goal was to show a more popular species alongside one that’s not so loved, perhaps even considered less important.”

For example, in one spread the curious-looking saltwater lizardfish appears opposite a redfish, which are prized by saltwater anglers for their fight and deliciousness blackened on the grill. And it was these two species that motivated Vick to write the book.

“I was shore fishing in my hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas when I saw a woman catch a fish and then instantly chuck it in the brush — couldn’t help but walk over and ask her what it was. She said, ‘It was a lizardfish, and they taste bad and steal my bait.’ I thought, that’s all part of the deal and doesn’t entitle you to kill it …

“I knew at that point I needed to say something. Well, not to her, but in words, especially for kids, so they can appreciate the value of all living things.”

“All Fish are Awesome” shares facts about fish to young readers and encourages youngsters to see what else they can learn about. In the end, “All Fish are Awesome” is a fun read with a healthy message for kids to appreciate all critters, big or small, colorful or drab, popular or not.

“All Fish are Awesome” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online sources.