Seagulls Don't Eat Pickles
#1 of 3 in Fish Finelli Series
What’s inside...
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.
Discussion points
Why do you think the seagulls were interested in the pickles?
How do you think Fish feels when he discovers the treasure map, and what would you do if you found one?
What do you think about the relationship between Fish and his Aunt Birdie?
Why is it important to help others, like the way Fish helped during his adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more engaging and help differentiate between dialogue and narrative.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next and discuss their ideas, encouraging critical thinking.
After reading, relate the adventure themes to your child’s personal experiences, such as a time they helped someone or discovered something new.
Highlight the funny moments and discuss why they found them humorous to develop a sense of empathy and understanding emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and creativity
Explanation: The story depicts the protagonist, Fish Finelli, as he tries to solve the mystery of Captain Kidd's lost treasure. Fish uses his creativity and problem-solving skills to decipher clues and lead his friends on an adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these critical thinking skills in everyday situations such as working out puzzles, experimenting with new games, or even navigating social scenarios with peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Fish and his friends must work together to overcome obstacles and pool their knowledge to succeed. Teamwork is portrayed as a vital component of their journey.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to collaborate with others, whether in school projects, sports teams, or during group activities, emphasizing that collective efforts often result in greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Fish confronts his fears head-on, whether it's dealing with bullies or venturing into unknown territories during his treasure hunt. His bravery in facing these fears is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to tackle their own fears, be it trying out for a new sport, speaking up in class, or making new friends, teaching them the importance of self-confidence and bravery.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Fish's journey underlines the importance of being truthful, especially when Fish has numerous opportunities to choose between right and wrong. His choices reflect his integrity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty in building trust and respect in relationships with family and friends, thereby encouraging them to always strive to choose truthfulness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Even when the quest becomes challenging, Fish and his crew persist. This persistence is rewarded eventually when they uncover clues leading them closer to the treasure.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches kids the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it's completing a difficult school assignment, mastering a new skill, or building a complex lego structure.