Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Walker Childrens Hardbacks (2012), Hardcover, 256 pages
Description
"Stanley Potts's uncle Ernie has developed an over-the-top fascination with canning fish in the house, and life at 69 Fish Quay Lane has turned balmy. But there's darkness in the madness, and when Uncle Ernie's obsession takes an unexpectedly cruel turn, Stan has no choice but to leave. As he journeys away from the life he's always known, he mingles with a carnival full of eccentric characters and meets the legendary Pancho Pirelli, the man who swims in a tank full of perilous piranhas. Will Stan be bold enough to dive in the churning waters himself and choose his own destiny?"--Description from Amazon.com, viewed July 31, 2013.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jegammon
Response - This book is perfect for upper elementary and even middle school. The characters and events are quirky, whimsical, and endearing. Yet, the author communicates lessons about confronting fears, kindness, and confidence. The chapters are short, making for easy, effective reading. Some
Curricular connection - read aloud, reading groups; lessons on confidence, self-discovery and identify
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features reminded me of Roald Dahl’s style.Curricular connection - read aloud, reading groups; lessons on confidence, self-discovery and identify
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LibraryThing member reader1009
children's middlegrade fiction--reminiscent of Roald Dahl's zany characters and a bit of Neil Gaiman's murky darkness.
Awards
Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (Shortlist — 2013)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2014)
Blue Peter Book Award (Finalist — 2013)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2014)
Language
Original publication date
2012-10-04
ISBN
1406320765 / 9781406320763
Local notes
Stanley Potts is just an ordinary boy, but when all the jobs in Fish Quay disappear his Uncle Ernie develops an extraordinary fascination with canning fish. Suddenly their home is filled with the sound of clanging machinery and the stench of mackerel, and Uncle Ernie's obsession reaches such heights that he would even can Stan's beloved goldfish.