During
the summer I am loving going to the Ashpot Library and picking out a stack of
books to read with my little sister, Margo. Usually she is with me selecting
whatever books catch her eye, so our pile is a group effort. I knew as soon as
I saw the bright yellow cover on display that we would be adding the book to
our collection. Sure enough- as soon as she saw it she started pointing and
saying, “Lellow! Lellow”. It’s been her favorite color this month and she wants
everything yellow.
Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones is a fun story about three siblings who each have a goldfish.
They live in a small apartment in New York City and summer vacation is coming.
The kids aren’t going away, but a lot of their friends are leaving the city
over the break. Right around that time, the vandalized and crumbling fountain
near their apartment begins to be repaired by a man who is making it look
beautiful. Not only that- but a sign goes up asking people to bring their goldfish
to the fountain on a specific date so they can go on “vacation”. How exciting! People flock to the fountain
and the man helps them put their fish in the water. Each day kids go to the fountain to visit
their fish and this gives them the chance to play with other kids who are doing
the same thing. At the end of the summer everyone will need to collect their
fish when it is time to go back school.
The book has vibrant
illustrations that will appeal to kids and adults. I found the idea of goldfish
going on a vacation to be fascinating. I am not sure everyone would be okay
with dropping off their fish and getting a different fish back. Since a lot of
families go away during the summer, it is a good way for the fish to be fed and
cared for.
The Author’s Note at the end of the book explains that this book is the made up true story about a real fountain in New York City where goldfish went on vacation from 1992
to 2005. I can’t believe I never heard of this before! Next time we go to NYC I
have to go visit the Hamilton Fountain to see it for myself. From what I have read
about it- the fountain was quite a controversy when it was built.
 |
| Photo from SallyLloyd-jones.com |
Has anyone else read Goldfish
on Vacation? Or have you read
another book by Sally Lloyd-Jones? Or have you visited Hamilton Fountain? We'd love to hear your
thoughts!
Happy reading!
~ F
Happy reading!
~ F
We'll be on a blog break until August.
Enjoy the summer days!
Sounds like a great story. Hope Margo enjoys the "lellow" book! Have a great week, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValerie- She loved it! :) ~F
DeleteOh what fun. Of course goldfish deserve a vacation - and to spend time outdoors with their friends.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice Margo.
EC- I can imagine they'd be happy to have so much space to swim. :) ~F
Deletethis sounds absolutely fun! xo
ReplyDeleteGloria- It really is! :) ~F
DeleteHow delightful to think that goldfish actually get vacations too! I just wonder if anyone gets their own fish back when they pick them up later. I mean, goldfish doo all look pretty alike...
ReplyDeleteKate- I would think it would be very hard to get your own fish back! :) ~F
DeleteNever even knew that existed either. Sounds like a winner.
ReplyDeletePat- I learn something new every day! :) ~F
DeleteCan you imagine if the fish had special markings and they had to scoop THAT fish out? LOL It is a cute idea though.
ReplyDeleteL. Diane Wolfe- Markings would certainly have helped people get their own fish back. :) ~F
DeleteOh how cute! And to think it was based on an actual true thing for the fish to go on vacation! I would have loved to see it when it was up and operating, but to see it now would equally be at fun. I love how your little sister says "lellow". The wee one says orange as orgnce. Kind of misses the "a" currently :) but at least they are knowing their colors!
ReplyDeletebetty
Betty- I couldn't believe fish really did go on vacation for quite a number of years. It would have been fun to visit the fountain and look at all of them.
DeleteI agree- knowing your colors is great. Love hearing the way young kids pronounce them. :) ~F
Wow, I would never even think about this theme. That vacation must have been so awesome for kids to get together!
ReplyDeleteKelly- I agree. It sounds like it was a great way for people who lived in the city to have their pet taken care of and the kids who stayed in the city had more chances to meet up with friends. :) ~F
DeleteHi Jess - nope I've never heard of a fish having a holiday ... what fun ... and night-time frolics they could get up to. Fun book especially as it encourages everyone to be part of the goldfish community ... bet Margo will love her Jello-Lello book ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary- I bet their night-time frolics were very fun! Someone could write a story about their adventures for sure. :) ~F
DeleteTrue story? Cool!
ReplyDeleteI love the illustrations!
Magic Love Crow- I agree! The story is cool and so are the illustrations. :) ~F
DeleteLooks like a cute one :D
ReplyDeleteAlso amazing fountain!
Blodeuedd- For sure! :) ~F
DeleteOverall, it's probably better for the fish than keeping them in bowls.
ReplyDeleteThe Armchair Squid- That's what I thought too. Lots more space- and tons of friends. :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds delightful.
ReplyDeleteMargo will love it.
All the best Jan
Jan- Margo loved it! :) ~F
DeleteGoldfish on Vacation! What a title!
ReplyDeleteJacqui- I love the title too! :) ~F
DeleteI like the title. Sounds fun book!
ReplyDeleteNasreen- I like the title too! :) ~F
DeleteVery cool that you do this with your sister. Lately there's been 2 sisters on Facebook LIVE showing them visiting the library to grab their books, then reading them at night. It's so good that young people realize the joy and benefits of reading. Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO- I love that there are two sisters picking out books and reading them at night on FB Live. How cool! I will have to check that out. I love people sharing reading together too. :) ~F
DeleteI haven't read it but it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteMary- It is very sweet. :) ~F
DeleteAn adorable cover. The color does attract attention. A neat idea on how to care for your fish while you're gone on vacation. I never heard of the book but see why it would attract young readers.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- I love the cover too. The yellow really pops. :) ~F
DeleteI've never heard of the fountain or the cover. I love yellow, too, so I would have probably also picked the book.
ReplyDeleteJanet- The cover does really grab you when you see it. The fountain was new to me too. :) ~F
DeleteI like the cover.
ReplyDeleteNas- Isn't it fun? :) ~F
DeleteOhh, this sounds a wonderful storyline for children.
ReplyDeleteNew Release Books- Totally! :) ~F
Deletenice article..
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing and have a nice day
Azka- You are welcome! :) ~F
DeleteThanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader- No problem! Thanks for stopping by. :) ~F
DeleteI miss you girls ! Hope you are fun with your summer !! hugs
ReplyDeleteGloria- We missed you too while we were on our break. Thanks for visiting. :) ~F
DeleteHope you are enjoying your blog break :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- It was definitely needed and we both had a great time. :) Jess and Stephanie
Deletewell written review....sound interesting story
ReplyDeleteTanza- Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! :) ~F
DeleteYes, there are fish in the pond and what a novel idea too!
ReplyDeleteAuthor with Advice- I think it was a good idea too! :) ~F
DeleteIntriguing story for children to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteKelly- Totally! :) ~F
DeleteGiven that yellow is my favourite colour I'd have instantly been drawn to this book as well.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break, we'll see you September.
Felicity- The yellow is definitely appealing. :) ~F
DeleteThe book sounds cute, enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteChristine- It really is. Our break was great! :)
DeleteWhat fun! The book AND the fact that there's a fountain where fish used to vacay! Hehe! How great that you read so much with your little sister! It's wonderful for each of you! (She has great taste. Yellow is one of my favorite colors, too!)
ReplyDeleteDawn- I love that the fountain existed as a vacation for goldfish. It would have been fun to visit. :) ~F
Delete