Review: Fish Finelli

 

When bully Bryce Billings bets Fish Finelli that he can't find Captain Kidd's legendary long-lost treasure, Fish and his friends embark on a quest to find real-life pirate treasure. Between sneaking into the library to track down Captain Kidd's map, stowing away on a boat, and trespassing on an island, Fish and his friends have their work cut out for them. But will Fish actually be able to find Captain Kidd's booty and win the bet? Appropriate for both boys and girls, this first book in the Fish Finelli series will inspire readers to use their imaginations, learn about the world around them, and appreciate the bonds of friendship.

~Summary and image from Amazon~

 I love the idea behind the character of Fish Finelli.  In the author's note, she explains that she was trying to write a character that would appeal to her son.  What I like to call a "boy's boy".  A boy who can "make a lemon battery" but also "skateboard" and play pranks.  I feel like Ms. Farber really accomplished her goal.  Fish is a loveable character.  He gets into trouble, but knows how to get out of it.  He can fix a leaky kayak on the fly, and has secret code words with his pals.

The story itself was a little far-reaching (a kid finding Captain Kidd's lost treasure?) but in all honesty, every little kid's dream!  Who wouldn't want to go on a treasure hunt to find Captain Kidd's lost treasure?  I mean, if someone walked up to me right now and was like, "Let's go hunting pirate treasure,"  I'd seriously think about it.

There were some serious laugh-out-loud moments while reading this book.  I love the humor!  I really think kids are going to enjoy this book.  And adults, too!

Who can resist a chapter entitled "The Librarian's Got The Booty"?  (This is a picture from the Advance Reader's Copy.  The chapter may not be called this in the "real", finished book)

Ms. Farber also explains that she wanted to write a book that kids would actually enjoy, not one that they had to read for the (my edit) dreaded AR points.  (Side note on AR, or Accelerated Read, waste of time.  It kills the love of reading.) 

FISH FINELLI: SEAGULLS DON"T EAT PICKLES hit shelves on April 16.  It is published by Chronicle Books.

I received an advance copy of FISH FINELLI thanks to ARCYCLING and Christine @ Buckling Bookshelves.