Lucky
The Autobiography of a Goldfish
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
From a homeowners pond, to a schoolyard pool and, eventually, to a classroom aquarium, Lucky - The Autobiography of a Goldfish chronicles the early life of a real fish, as if it were told by the fish itself. His memoir demonstrates the inborn will to survive of all creatures, as well as the virtue of human kindness, epitomized by each person who touched Lucky’s eventful life.
Written with Early Readers in mind, since a second-grade classroom ultimately became his home, Lucky’s memoir uses age-appropriate vocabulary, easily understood by younger children. Pre-publication “market testing” indicates that adults, as well as children, will be fascinated by the story. You can expect youngsters to ask many appropriate questions, as they become absorbed by the narrative and notice the wonderful illustrations, all drawn by children, their peers.
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About the Book
Lucky: The Autobiography of a Goldfish, is essentially a true story. Embellished only as necessary to facilitate presentation as an autobiography, Lucky’s memoir uses vocabulary familiar to Early Readers, yet easily understood by younger children.
I first encountered Lucky as Mrs. Wroe gingerly carried the fish toward her classroom in a small, cylindrical aquarium. “That is the sickest looking fish I’ve ever seen!” I quipped. Candice protectively responded, “If you’d been through what this fish has been through, you’d look pretty sick too!”
Together, we set up Lucky’s new residence and waited for the students to arrive. They were as anxious as I was to hear the story of this latest addition to their pet collection. At morning meeting, Mrs. Wroe recounted the sometimes-terrifying early life of the fish. It is not surprising that the enthralled class decided to name him Lucky.
As I listened and observed the student’s fascination, it became quite clear that this was a wonderful story for young children, demonstrating both a creature’s inborn will to survive and the virtue of human kindness.
Somehow, by the end of the day, seated at the computer, I began to imagine how Lucky might like to have his early life remembered. Thus was born his “autobiography”.
As an extra bonus for young readers, Lucky’s adopted 2nd grade family thoughtfully drew all pictures; each child assigned a specific page to illustrate. I believe they did a phenomenal job! There is only one illustration where Lucky cannot be seen. See whether you can find it as you read his story.
About the Author
Marjorie Frith, referred to as Ms. Marge by the students, has completed more than five years as a reading and math “coach” for the 3R’s Program of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), administered by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, headquartered in South Dennis*. She is a graduate chemist, with a life-long interest in children and learning.
Marge lives in
When she has free time, Marge enjoys a round of golf, bike riding and walking the beach to find unusual shells, which she often brings into the classroom.
Marge has written and published several articles for local newspapers, including “Grandma Joins the Band”, which was written when she first took up a band instrument after retirement! This book is her first story written just for children.
*All of the towns mentioned are on