Margo's Musings: Are There Fish in the Fountain?

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
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED