Dak loves his Dad’s corny jokes, the funny things he brings home from his job at the local rubbish tip and the time they spend together at the local aquarium. But then his Dad is gone – a loss Dak’s mum can’t cope with.

The first place Dak can think to go after the funeral is over and his mum has retreated to her bedroom is the aquarium – where a small fish (a clownfish) suddenly speaks to him through the tank glass.

‘Dad?’ exclaims Dak. The fish tells him he is in fact his father. He died then woke up as a fish! Dak can’t believe it. His dad isn’t gone any more. He’s right in front of him and talking and telling jokes like he always has! Dak visits every day.

The owner of the aquarium has his niece Violet staying with him. The same age as Dak at 12, they get to know each other. Dak hasn’t been brave enough to return to school or face his friends after his father’s death, but Violet’s no nonsense personality is just what Dak needs. They become even closer when suddenly the aquarium is at risk. Dak is consumed by worry for his father but he knows he can’t tell a soul about it. Who would believe him?

 

A beautiful story about a boy’s love for his dad and how he deals with his loss. This isn’t all doom and gloom, broken up by Violet’s bolshy personality, his dad’s corny jokes (as a fish), and memories of dad before he died. When the truth finally reveals itself, it touched my heart, and will for any reader 8+. Loved it.

Author – Alan Durant

Age – 8+

 

 

 

(Grief, Coping, Friendship, Campaign, Aquarium, Fish, Relationships, Family, Humour)

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