Fish Finelli: Seagulls Don’t Eat Pickles by E. S. Farber. Illustrated by Jason Beene. Mystery.
After making a bet with Bryce Billings, Norman “Fish” Finelli and his friends, Roger and T. J. set out to find the lost treasure of Captain Kidd. The boys worry when they realize the Mystery Man, and his equally mysterious partner, are also searching for the treasure.
Themes: Friendship, mystery, treasure, Captain Kidd, bullies, fishing, boating, ocean life, ghosts, pirates, trivia, imagination, first person narratives
Recommended For: Grades 4 and 5, readers who are interested in treasure, readers who like mysteries, teaching about characters’ traits, read aloud, readers who like trivia, “Talk Like a Pirate Day”
My Two Cents: This is a great mystery for fourth graders with plenty of opportunity for extension into other curricular areas. Fish, Roger and T. J. have vivid imaginations and distinctive character traits: Roger seems to be the practical joker in the group; T. J. is constantly snacking on something and Fish seems to be a walking encyclopedia. In fact, “Fish’s Fun Facts,” random bits of trivia associated with the story, are interspersed alongside of the text. I’ll have to admit though, T. J.’s constant snacking on sugary treats has me a bit concerned that he’s on the fast track to obesity, diabetes, or both.
There is just the right amount of silly dialog, gross-out humor and word play to make this book appealing to both girls and boys. Throughout the book Beene’s illustrations are black and white caricatures of the action. As the book ends it’s clear that this is the first in a series.
I would have liked Farber to include an author’s note at the end of the story, explaining which facts about Captain Kidd were historically accurate, and recommending additional resources. There is a discussion guide available from the publisher. “Talk Like a Pirate” day is Thursday, September 19th. This book would be a great way to work it into your class.
Similar/Paired Books from EHUE Library:
- Avi. Windcatcher. New York: Avon Books, 1992. Print.
- Bryant, Jennifer. Kaleidoscope Eyes. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Print.
- Cheshire, Simon. The Pirate’s Blood and Other Case Files. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2011. Print.
- Colfer, Eoin. Eoin Colfer’s Legend of– Captain Crow’s Teeth. New York: Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children, 2005. Print.
- Dixon, Franklin W. The Twisted Claw. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1969. Print.
- Harrison, David L. Pirates : Poems. Honesdale, Pa.: Wordsong, 2008. Print.
- Lassieur, Allison. Pirate Hideouts : Secret Spots and Shelters. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press, 2007. Print.
- Levy, Debbie. Sunken Treasure. Detroit: KidHaven Press, 2005. Print.
- Mason, Paul. Pirates. North Mankato, Minn.: Smart Apple Media, 2005. Print.
- McDonald, Megan. The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 2009. Print.
- O’Donnell, Liam. Pirate Treasure : Stolen Riches. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press, 2007. Print.
- Osborne, Mary P. Pirates Past Noon. New York: Random House, 1994. Print.
Favorite Quote:
“‘Seagulls don’t eat ice cream!’ shouted T. J. ‘Seagulls don’t wear sneakers! Seagulls don’t—‘
‘SEAGULLS DON’T EAT PICKLES!’ Roger yelled at the top of his lungs.
OH NO! Our secret password!”
(Farber, E.S. Fish Finelli: Seagulls Don’t Eat Pickles. San Fransisco: Chronicle Books, 2013. 38. Print.)
The Final Word(s): A fun mystery with a dash of adventure. 🙂
Curiously Questioning 