Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bright, likable boy anchors fun seaside mystery adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Norman "Fish" Finelli has been carefully saving money to buy a more powerful engine for his boat. But when he's baited by Bryce Billings, Fish bets his savings by boasting he'll find Captain Kidd's treasure. Fish and his friends, Roger and T.J., sneak into the library and onto a private island to search for the legendary booty. Even as they cover tantalizing clues, it becomes clear they aren't the only ones seeking the treasure.
Is It Any Good?
SEAGULLS DON'T EAT PICKLES introduces a very smart and good-hearted hero for tween readers. Fish can be hotheaded, but his common sense, charisma, and resourcefulness see him through. The story is a classic small-town mystery tale. Fish and his two best friends roam the streets and waters of Whooping Hollow in search of treasure, complete with eccentric local characters, mysterious legends, and curious history. Jason Beene's full-page, grayscale illustrations pair well with E.S. Farber's fun storytelling style.
This is an especially good choice for inquisitive kids: The story is peppered with factoids on such diverse subjects as the prevalence of blue lobsters and the history of the microwave. There's plenty of science in this fun book, which shows how much fun and adventure can be found on your own doorstep.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about coping with bullies. Fish is pretty levelheaded, except when he's taunted by Bryce. What could he do differently?
Do you think T.J., portrayed as overweight and endlessly eating candy, is a realistic character? Have you seen this stereotype in other books, movies, or TV shows?
Fish and his friends roam town freely and have a lot of independence. Do you think their experience is typical?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jason Beene
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Pirates
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : April 16, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 155
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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