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Clownfish
From award-winning author Alan Durant comes a surreal, poignant story about family bonds and loss. Dak's dad has been dead for seven days when suddenly he reappears. He's the same in almost every way, with one startling exception: Dad has turned into a clownfish, and now lives in a tank at their local aquarium. Dak is delighted by the news - he has Dad back, even if he isn't quite as he was before.
Deciding to keep Dad's transformation a secret, Dak visits him at the aquarium as often as he can, and ends up spending so much time there that they offer him a job. This is how he comes to meet Violet, the owner's prickly but kindhearted niece; when the aquarium is threatened with closure, the pair must work together to save it.
For Dak, the stakes couldn't be higher ... after all, if the aquarium shuts down, what will happen to the fish? In parts wry, moving and undoubtedly strange, this beautifully crafted story will stay with you long after the final page.
Deciding to keep Dad's transformation a secret, Dak visits him at the aquarium as often as he can, and ends up spending so much time there that they offer him a job. This is how he comes to meet Violet, the owner's prickly but kindhearted niece; when the aquarium is threatened with closure, the pair must work together to save it.
For Dak, the stakes couldn't be higher ... after all, if the aquarium shuts down, what will happen to the fish? In parts wry, moving and undoubtedly strange, this beautifully crafted story will stay with you long after the final page.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
8 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Alan Durant
169 books16 followersAlan Durant is the author of books for a wide age-range, from picture books such as Burger Boy to top-end teenage thrillers (Blood, Flesh and Bones). Having worked as a copywriter at Walker Books, he is now a full-time author.
He's married, with three children and lives just outside London. He does a lot of school visits throughout the UK and abroad and also runs writing workshops.
He's married, with three children and lives just outside London. He does a lot of school visits throughout the UK and abroad and also runs writing workshops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 29, 2021
Wry, funny, witty and so much more than a YA read aimed at middle schoolers!
Dak and Violet are fantastic characters, so well crafted with an age appropriate voice. Clever, witty humour underpins a storyline that deals with a very poignant issue, the death of Dak’s dad.
A mission/quest, moving forward when life is so difficult/challenging. A focus on the importance of family, friends, and some great ‘dad’ jokes made this an awesome read.
Dak and Violet are fantastic characters, so well crafted with an age appropriate voice. Clever, witty humour underpins a storyline that deals with a very poignant issue, the death of Dak’s dad.
A mission/quest, moving forward when life is so difficult/challenging. A focus on the importance of family, friends, and some great ‘dad’ jokes made this an awesome read.
October 20, 2018
Dak loves his Dad's corny jokes, the funny things he brings home from his job at the local rubbish tip and the time they spend together at the local aquarium. But then his Dad is gone - a loss Dak's mum can cope with.
The first place Dak can think to go after the funeral is over and his mum has retreated to her bedroom is the aquarium - where a small fish (a clownfish) suddenly speaks to him through the tank glass.
'Dad?' exclaims Dak. The fish tells him he is in fact his father. He died then woke up as a fish! Dak can't believe it. His dad isn't gone any more. He's right in front of him and talking and telling jokes like he always has. Dak visits every day.
The owner of the aquarium has his niece Violet staying with him. The same age as Dak at 12, they get to know each other. Dak hasn't been brave enough to return to school or face his friends after his father's death, but Violet's no nonsense personality is just what Dak needs. They become even closer when suddenly the aquarium is at risk. Dak is consumed by worry for his father but he knows he can't tell a soul about it. Who would believe him?
A beautiful story about a boy's love for his dad and how he deals with his loss. This isn't all doom and gloom, broken up by Violet's bolshy personality, his dad's corny jokes (as a fish), and memories of dad before he died. When the truth finally reveals itself, it touched my heart, and will for any reader 8+. Loved it.
The first place Dak can think to go after the funeral is over and his mum has retreated to her bedroom is the aquarium - where a small fish (a clownfish) suddenly speaks to him through the tank glass.
'Dad?' exclaims Dak. The fish tells him he is in fact his father. He died then woke up as a fish! Dak can't believe it. His dad isn't gone any more. He's right in front of him and talking and telling jokes like he always has. Dak visits every day.
The owner of the aquarium has his niece Violet staying with him. The same age as Dak at 12, they get to know each other. Dak hasn't been brave enough to return to school or face his friends after his father's death, but Violet's no nonsense personality is just what Dak needs. They become even closer when suddenly the aquarium is at risk. Dak is consumed by worry for his father but he knows he can't tell a soul about it. Who would believe him?
A beautiful story about a boy's love for his dad and how he deals with his loss. This isn't all doom and gloom, broken up by Violet's bolshy personality, his dad's corny jokes (as a fish), and memories of dad before he died. When the truth finally reveals itself, it touched my heart, and will for any reader 8+. Loved it.
May 16, 2019
In this book we meet Dak, who's just lost his dad and his mum has since withdrawn from life and is struggling to come to terms with him being gone.
The best thing for Dak is hanging out at the aquarium where his dad used to take him only as it threatens to be shut down, Dak must work together with Stephen and Violet who work there too only Dak wants to keep the aquarium open for a bigger reason, his dad is a clowfish in there...
So he believes as he doesn't want to move on and withdraws from school and life to stay at the aquarium with his dad and feel comforted by the fact he can stay and help try to save it by campaigning and raising money.
An emotional book detailing how grief can effect you in various ways from not accepting it, depression setting in and finding comfort in any way. A really thoughtful book and very unique.
The best thing for Dak is hanging out at the aquarium where his dad used to take him only as it threatens to be shut down, Dak must work together with Stephen and Violet who work there too only Dak wants to keep the aquarium open for a bigger reason, his dad is a clowfish in there...
So he believes as he doesn't want to move on and withdraws from school and life to stay at the aquarium with his dad and feel comforted by the fact he can stay and help try to save it by campaigning and raising money.
An emotional book detailing how grief can effect you in various ways from not accepting it, depression setting in and finding comfort in any way. A really thoughtful book and very unique.
November 28, 2018
Moving and gently funny story about grief, friendship and fish.
A touching premise - Dak dad's has just died. But Dak's grieving process takes a strange turn as he discovers his dad has become a clownfish at the aquarium he used to love. Able to converse with his son, as well as continue to share appalling jokes, Dak visits every day and ends up working there (missing school). He also meets the snarky neice of the owner, and their burgeoning friendship - and Dak's dad - could prove useful as the aquarium comes under threat.
Dak and his situation is poignant, it feels so surreal and yet so normal - talking to a fish - but for me it was Violet at the heart of the book, more so as we saw more of her. She is layered and a very realistic creation. I was keen to see what would happen if Dak ever told her his 'secret'.
You know there is going to come a time when Dak has to face up to his life and what has happened, and it was handled sensitively. This was a great audiobook, as Dak talks to us from the pages, the narrator chosen speaks with a young voice, a guileless pre-teen, and carried me along. I was keen to keep listening and finished it very quickly.
This, I would recommend for class reading and discussion, it would do well read aloud by a teacher, or as part of a book group choice. There are lots of delicate subjects covered, and done well, in a short space of time.
Suitable for ages 10 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
A touching premise - Dak dad's has just died. But Dak's grieving process takes a strange turn as he discovers his dad has become a clownfish at the aquarium he used to love. Able to converse with his son, as well as continue to share appalling jokes, Dak visits every day and ends up working there (missing school). He also meets the snarky neice of the owner, and their burgeoning friendship - and Dak's dad - could prove useful as the aquarium comes under threat.
Dak and his situation is poignant, it feels so surreal and yet so normal - talking to a fish - but for me it was Violet at the heart of the book, more so as we saw more of her. She is layered and a very realistic creation. I was keen to see what would happen if Dak ever told her his 'secret'.
You know there is going to come a time when Dak has to face up to his life and what has happened, and it was handled sensitively. This was a great audiobook, as Dak talks to us from the pages, the narrator chosen speaks with a young voice, a guileless pre-teen, and carried me along. I was keen to keep listening and finished it very quickly.
This, I would recommend for class reading and discussion, it would do well read aloud by a teacher, or as part of a book group choice. There are lots of delicate subjects covered, and done well, in a short space of time.
Suitable for ages 10 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
December 29, 2022
از متن کتاب:
باب: «دکتر، دکتر! من احساس میکنم پردهام.»
دکتر: «خودت رو جمع کن.»
- دکتر، دکتر! همه منو نادیده میگیرن.
- نفرِ بعد.
- دکتر، دکتر! من همش دانلد داک، میکی موس و پلوتو رو میبینم.
- انگار از بیماری دیزنیزدگی رنج میبری.
- دکتر، دکتر! من گوشه چشمم درد میکنه.
- نگران نباش. فقط هر وقت چای میخوری، قاشق رو از توی استکان بیار بیرون.
به طرز غیر منتظرهای تلخ و عمیق...
باب: «دکتر، دکتر! من احساس میکنم پردهام.»
دکتر: «خودت رو جمع کن.»
- دکتر، دکتر! همه منو نادیده میگیرن.
- نفرِ بعد.
- دکتر، دکتر! من همش دانلد داک، میکی موس و پلوتو رو میبینم.
- انگار از بیماری دیزنیزدگی رنج میبری.
- دکتر، دکتر! من گوشه چشمم درد میکنه.
- نگران نباش. فقط هر وقت چای میخوری، قاشق رو از توی استکان بیار بیرون.
به طرز غیر منتظرهای تلخ و عمیق...
January 13, 2022
Loved this book. It was age appropriate and cleverly written discussing emotions, behaviour, feelings and relationships whilst still hooking me in moving me to tears as an adult.
June 16, 2020
چهارونیم، پنج
داک دوستداشتنی
داک دوستداشتنی
December 14, 2021
Such a lovely and delightful book!
March 31, 2023
Read to my Year 4 class. They throughly enjoyed.
June 11, 2023
Cried my heart out. Didn't expect that you know!
June 2023 Wrap Up
Review coming up when life gets back to normal.
June 2023 Wrap Up
Review coming up when life gets back to normal.
January 6, 2025
YYA (young young adult) if that’s a thing. A very easy read, very sweet.
January 17, 2019
Clownfish is a moving story about friendship, love, family and heartache. Dak's life with his family was unfortunately very short as his father has passed away due to heart disease. I felt for him because as a growing child, he truly needed the support from both of his parents. We saw his view after the transition with his life. Thankfully, his close friends were so kind and supportive of him and they always seemed concerned about Dak's wellbeing.
He discovered something mind-blowing and unbelievable after his dad's death. He kept this as a secret from everybody else and kept on focusing with his life until he neglected school. This was truly understandable as a child like him need time and space to recover.
My favourite part of this story was the relationship with his newly found mate, Violet, who was the niece to the owner of the aquarium that Dak has always visited. She reminded me of Darla in Finding Nemo because at first she was quite unbearable to begin with, but at the middle of the story, she became Dak's best friend and they went through quite an adventure together.
Overall, I totally loved reading this story, it felt so honest yet poignant. I loved all the characters in this book, they all showed great characteristics and moral values.
This is my first time reading Alan Durant's book and believe it or not, this masterpiece is his 100th book that he has written! This book is totally special to him, as the book is dedicated to his late father who died in 2016, Christopher Durant. And I think it is very special for me too.
Thank you so much Pansing Books for providing me this review copy!
He discovered something mind-blowing and unbelievable after his dad's death. He kept this as a secret from everybody else and kept on focusing with his life until he neglected school. This was truly understandable as a child like him need time and space to recover.
My favourite part of this story was the relationship with his newly found mate, Violet, who was the niece to the owner of the aquarium that Dak has always visited. She reminded me of Darla in Finding Nemo because at first she was quite unbearable to begin with, but at the middle of the story, she became Dak's best friend and they went through quite an adventure together.
Overall, I totally loved reading this story, it felt so honest yet poignant. I loved all the characters in this book, they all showed great characteristics and moral values.
This is my first time reading Alan Durant's book and believe it or not, this masterpiece is his 100th book that he has written! This book is totally special to him, as the book is dedicated to his late father who died in 2016, Christopher Durant. And I think it is very special for me too.
Thank you so much Pansing Books for providing me this review copy!
March 1, 2019
A truly beautiful story of grief and friendship with the perfect sprinkling of humour.
One of the main things I loved about this book is that Dak is an extremely likable character. I don’t think you can read this book and not fall in love with him. Obviously, his situation is awful and, as the reader, you really feel for him, but he is also such a nice person and I wish I could adopt him.
The other main character in this book is Violet who is feisty and confident and all kinds of wonderful. Violet is a fantastically written character with a strong personality and the development of her friendship with Dak is just beautiful to read.
The plot is gentle, yet fast-paced, and YA readers will absolutely race through this book. There is a defined story line outside of Dak grieving his dad’s death, which I won’t spoil here, but just know that it is interesting. This story is mostly character focused, but there is enough plot to provide a satisfying story.
Although this is technically a middle grade book, it really can be be read by anyone of any age. It definitely has a YA feel in that it handles the themes of death and grief very deftly, yet still remains appropriate for younger readers. There is a certain knack required when reading middle grade books as you have to constantly remember that you are not the audience for this book. However, this book made me completely forget that it is not a YA book. At no point did this book feel “dumbed down” or childish as some middle grade stories do and I think many YA readers will love it.
This truly is a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. I really hope people pick it up and give it the recognition it deserves.
Ideal for: anyone aged 10+
One of the main things I loved about this book is that Dak is an extremely likable character. I don’t think you can read this book and not fall in love with him. Obviously, his situation is awful and, as the reader, you really feel for him, but he is also such a nice person and I wish I could adopt him.
The other main character in this book is Violet who is feisty and confident and all kinds of wonderful. Violet is a fantastically written character with a strong personality and the development of her friendship with Dak is just beautiful to read.
The plot is gentle, yet fast-paced, and YA readers will absolutely race through this book. There is a defined story line outside of Dak grieving his dad’s death, which I won’t spoil here, but just know that it is interesting. This story is mostly character focused, but there is enough plot to provide a satisfying story.
Although this is technically a middle grade book, it really can be be read by anyone of any age. It definitely has a YA feel in that it handles the themes of death and grief very deftly, yet still remains appropriate for younger readers. There is a certain knack required when reading middle grade books as you have to constantly remember that you are not the audience for this book. However, this book made me completely forget that it is not a YA book. At no point did this book feel “dumbed down” or childish as some middle grade stories do and I think many YA readers will love it.
This truly is a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. I really hope people pick it up and give it the recognition it deserves.
Ideal for: anyone aged 10+
November 29, 2020
Si se lee únicamente la sinopsis, pareciera una historia de tipo fantástico, con animales que hablan y canciones, pero no. La historia nos muestra cómo cada persona lidia de diferente manera con la pérdida de un ser querido: la mamá, por ejemplo, se retrae y deja a un lado todo, mientras que Dak encuentra a su padre en una pecera.
Acompañamos al niño en el proceso de aceptar la muerte y de encontrar razones para salir de su tristeza. Me gustó mucho cómo a pesar de los elementos fantásticos de la historia (¿o será precisamente gracias a ellos?) la historia se vuelve entrañable y sumamente realista: Dak es un personaje que simpatiza desde el inicio y a quien deseamos que todo le salga bien, incluso lo que sospechamos que es imposible.
Mi personaje favorito es Violet, la niña que conoce Dak en el acuario, ella tiene sus propios problemas que resolver con su padre y a diferencia del protagonista, no confía en las personas y mucho menos en su padre. Será ella quien apoye e incite a Dak para tomar los pasos necesarios para lograr su objetivo.
En cuanto a los adultos, tenemos por una lado a la mamá que apenas puede con lo que ella misma está sintiendo; luego a Stephan, el dueño del acuario, quien apoyará a los chicos no solamente por su beneficio sino porque cree en ellos; y por supuesto a Bob, el papá-pez quien es más responsable de lo que parece del giro que tomó su vida.
Una historia tiste pero que es perfecta para acompañar en un proceso de aceptación de la pérdida de un ser querido, no solamente para los pequeños sino para cualquier lector.
Acompañamos al niño en el proceso de aceptar la muerte y de encontrar razones para salir de su tristeza. Me gustó mucho cómo a pesar de los elementos fantásticos de la historia (¿o será precisamente gracias a ellos?) la historia se vuelve entrañable y sumamente realista: Dak es un personaje que simpatiza desde el inicio y a quien deseamos que todo le salga bien, incluso lo que sospechamos que es imposible.
Mi personaje favorito es Violet, la niña que conoce Dak en el acuario, ella tiene sus propios problemas que resolver con su padre y a diferencia del protagonista, no confía en las personas y mucho menos en su padre. Será ella quien apoye e incite a Dak para tomar los pasos necesarios para lograr su objetivo.
En cuanto a los adultos, tenemos por una lado a la mamá que apenas puede con lo que ella misma está sintiendo; luego a Stephan, el dueño del acuario, quien apoyará a los chicos no solamente por su beneficio sino porque cree en ellos; y por supuesto a Bob, el papá-pez quien es más responsable de lo que parece del giro que tomó su vida.
Una historia tiste pero que es perfecta para acompañar en un proceso de aceptación de la pérdida de un ser querido, no solamente para los pequeños sino para cualquier lector.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
Dak loves his Dad's corny jokes, the funny things he brings home from his job at the local rubbish tip and the time they spend together at the local aquarium. But then his Dad is gone - a loss Dak's mum can cope with.
The first place Dak can think to go after the funeral is over and his mum has retreated to her bedroom is the aquarium - where a small fish (a clownfish) suddenly speaks to him through the tank glass.
'Dad?' exclaims Dak. The fish tells him he is in fact his father. He died then woke up as a fish! Dak can't believe it. His dad isn't gone any more. He's right in front of him and talking and telling jokes like he always has. Dak visits every day.
The owner of the aquarium has his niece Violet staying with him. The same age as Dak at 12, they get to know each other. Dak hasn't been brave enough to return to school or face his friends after his father's death, but Violet's no nonsense personality is just what Dak needs. They become even closer when suddenly the aquarium is at risk. Dak is consumed by worry for his father but he knows he can't tell a soul about it. Who would believe him?
A beautiful story about a boy's love for his dad and how he deals with his loss. This isn't all doom and gloom, broken up by Violet's bolshy personality, his dad's corny jokes (as a fish), and memories of dad before he died. When the truth finally reveals itself, it touched my heart, and will for any reader 8+. Loved it.
The first place Dak can think to go after the funeral is over and his mum has retreated to her bedroom is the aquarium - where a small fish (a clownfish) suddenly speaks to him through the tank glass.
'Dad?' exclaims Dak. The fish tells him he is in fact his father. He died then woke up as a fish! Dak can't believe it. His dad isn't gone any more. He's right in front of him and talking and telling jokes like he always has. Dak visits every day.
The owner of the aquarium has his niece Violet staying with him. The same age as Dak at 12, they get to know each other. Dak hasn't been brave enough to return to school or face his friends after his father's death, but Violet's no nonsense personality is just what Dak needs. They become even closer when suddenly the aquarium is at risk. Dak is consumed by worry for his father but he knows he can't tell a soul about it. Who would believe him?
A beautiful story about a boy's love for his dad and how he deals with his loss. This isn't all doom and gloom, broken up by Violet's bolshy personality, his dad's corny jokes (as a fish), and memories of dad before he died. When the truth finally reveals itself, it touched my heart, and will for any reader 8+. Loved it.
July 25, 2019
<"You miss your dad, don't you sharkbait?" - Gill, Finding Nemo>
I was moved to tears as I read the end of this book. It just clicked with me.
This book is about a boy who loses his dad to a heart attack and goes to the aquarium and a clownfish is talking to him - and it's his dad! So, Dak, our main character, a twelve year-old boy falls in love with the aquarium because there's where his dad's heart is. But the aquarium is in danger of closing down and he needs to save it. Dak is so passionate about his dad and the aquarium and he doesn't want to tell anyone that his dad is actually a clownfish at the aquarium. But things go into a downward spiral, and then Dak realizes something very important that is going to force him to do something he doesn't want to do.
This book is written so beautifully that portrays themes of family, love and learning to let go and being okay with letting go, because sometimes life forces you to let go. Dak is a passionate, kind boy who's voice is so prominent in this book.
The fact that Dak has to do such a hard thing at the end just ripped my heart apart. This book really aligned with some of the things happening in my own life and I related to the main character really well.
It was a fast-paced, beautiful, sad, heart-wrenched novel about learning to let go. Definitely a re-read.
I was moved to tears as I read the end of this book. It just clicked with me.
This book is about a boy who loses his dad to a heart attack and goes to the aquarium and a clownfish is talking to him - and it's his dad! So, Dak, our main character, a twelve year-old boy falls in love with the aquarium because there's where his dad's heart is. But the aquarium is in danger of closing down and he needs to save it. Dak is so passionate about his dad and the aquarium and he doesn't want to tell anyone that his dad is actually a clownfish at the aquarium. But things go into a downward spiral, and then Dak realizes something very important that is going to force him to do something he doesn't want to do.
This book is written so beautifully that portrays themes of family, love and learning to let go and being okay with letting go, because sometimes life forces you to let go. Dak is a passionate, kind boy who's voice is so prominent in this book.
The fact that Dak has to do such a hard thing at the end just ripped my heart apart. This book really aligned with some of the things happening in my own life and I related to the main character really well.
It was a fast-paced, beautiful, sad, heart-wrenched novel about learning to let go. Definitely a re-read.
February 24, 2022
This book was one of six shortlisted for the Bolton Children’s fiction Award in 2020/21 and was named joint winner.
The is an emotional story told by a boy called Dak. His dad has died and Dak is feeling sad and lost. One of the things that Dak and his dad both loved was fish & the film Finding Nemo.
A week after the death, Dak is at the aquarium when a little clownfish gets his attention. The fish is Dak’s dad! He can’t face school and is so happy to be able to spend time with his dad that he goes to visit the aquarium as often as he can. He starts helping out the aquarium’s owner and becomes friends with his niece Violet.
Just when Dak is becoming used to his new routine, disaster strikes again. The aquarium is going to be closed down for good. To keep his dad, Dak and Violet will need to come up with a plan to keep the aquarium open.
This book was quite different to the type of fiction texts that I normally choose. Even though the book is about a boy dealing with the death of a close family member, the story is not depressing. This story will have you feeling all kinds of emotions. At times you will smile and laugh but at other times you’ll feel sad or tense. It will make you think a lot about friendship and how different people deal with grief.
The is an emotional story told by a boy called Dak. His dad has died and Dak is feeling sad and lost. One of the things that Dak and his dad both loved was fish & the film Finding Nemo.
A week after the death, Dak is at the aquarium when a little clownfish gets his attention. The fish is Dak’s dad! He can’t face school and is so happy to be able to spend time with his dad that he goes to visit the aquarium as often as he can. He starts helping out the aquarium’s owner and becomes friends with his niece Violet.
Just when Dak is becoming used to his new routine, disaster strikes again. The aquarium is going to be closed down for good. To keep his dad, Dak and Violet will need to come up with a plan to keep the aquarium open.
This book was quite different to the type of fiction texts that I normally choose. Even though the book is about a boy dealing with the death of a close family member, the story is not depressing. This story will have you feeling all kinds of emotions. At times you will smile and laugh but at other times you’ll feel sad or tense. It will make you think a lot about friendship and how different people deal with grief.
March 16, 2020
Grief takes many forms. This wonderful novel for young people shows us just how many it can take. Well-written and full of understanding, Clownfish is a wonderful read. In his grief, Dak really explores the depth and variety of feeling, the reality of loss and the inevitable truth that life does go on and so must we. With an adventurous spirit and desire to do the right thing for everybody, he takes us along on this extraordinary and ordinary adventure. The people he meets along the way teach us all a little something about finding common ground. The importance of friendship and pervasive quality of memory shines through. The story rings with humour and longing without ever being maudlin or depressing; it does not dwell on the pain, but shows how to cope with loss. And it demonstrates clearly that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Gentle, funny, genuine and warm, this is a hopeful, memorable book.
October 9, 2022
An unusual concept of a father who has passed away but has reappeared in the form of a clownfish.
Dak and his mum are devastated when Dak's dad passes away suddenly. Mum retreats to her bedroom and Dak, left to his own devices, returns to a favourite spot where he and his dad used to enjoy visiting - the local aquarium.
When a clownfish reveals himself to Dak as his dad, he returns to the aquarium every day to ask for advice, hear his dad's corny jokes and just hang out.
When the aquarium is threatened with closure, Dak, and Violet, the owner's bolshy niece, set about to save the day... but what will happen to Dak's dad?
I enjoyed the story as long as I didn't think too deeply about the premise upon which it is set - it deals with Dak and his mum's grief with sensitivity, but there is also humour throughout to give the story a lightness of touch.
Dak and his mum are devastated when Dak's dad passes away suddenly. Mum retreats to her bedroom and Dak, left to his own devices, returns to a favourite spot where he and his dad used to enjoy visiting - the local aquarium.
When a clownfish reveals himself to Dak as his dad, he returns to the aquarium every day to ask for advice, hear his dad's corny jokes and just hang out.
When the aquarium is threatened with closure, Dak, and Violet, the owner's bolshy niece, set about to save the day... but what will happen to Dak's dad?
I enjoyed the story as long as I didn't think too deeply about the premise upon which it is set - it deals with Dak and his mum's grief with sensitivity, but there is also humour throughout to give the story a lightness of touch.
March 26, 2021
La idea de que un padre después de muerto se convierte en un pez payaso de acuario se me antoja aburrida.
Página tras página esta historia se vuelve interesante y entrañable, hasta que llegas a la mitad de libro y el autor se encarga de aburrirte a más no poder.
Tanto que el final resulta insulso y y poco elocuente.
La literatura infantil y juvenil definitivamente está sujeta a un editor que cree que las letras “profundas y con mensaje” conectarán con una juventud inquieta y ansiosa de experiencias, pero fracasan en su intento.
Extrañe las ilustraciones, tanto como saber exactamente para que edad está destinado este libro, porque creo que a cualquier chico entre 12 y 15 años, este texto lo alejará de la experiencia literaria.
Página tras página esta historia se vuelve interesante y entrañable, hasta que llegas a la mitad de libro y el autor se encarga de aburrirte a más no poder.
Tanto que el final resulta insulso y y poco elocuente.
La literatura infantil y juvenil definitivamente está sujeta a un editor que cree que las letras “profundas y con mensaje” conectarán con una juventud inquieta y ansiosa de experiencias, pero fracasan en su intento.
Extrañe las ilustraciones, tanto como saber exactamente para que edad está destinado este libro, porque creo que a cualquier chico entre 12 y 15 años, este texto lo alejará de la experiencia literaria.
December 18, 2023
Dit boek is een kinder/jeugdboek. Ik las het boek in het Engels en het taalgebruik was niet moeilijk waardoor het zeer vlot leest.
Een jongen verliest zijn vader en gaat daar op zijn eigen manier mee om. Het vertelt over rouw, maar ook over vriendschap en over actie voeren.
Het deed me een beetje denken aan de boeken die ik als jong meisje wel eens kreeg. Daar zat vaak een verhaal in waarin ook actie wordt ondernomen om iets of iemand te redden (Iolo komt niet spelen/duif maar dapper/de Marokkaan en de kat van tante Da ... ) .
Ik kocht dit boek in de luchthaven van Malta toen ik terug kwam van een reisje. Ik ben altijd wel te vinden voor koopjes en ze hadden daar een stapel boeken die in prijs verlaagd was tot 3 boeken voor 12 euro ;).
Een jongen verliest zijn vader en gaat daar op zijn eigen manier mee om. Het vertelt over rouw, maar ook over vriendschap en over actie voeren.
Het deed me een beetje denken aan de boeken die ik als jong meisje wel eens kreeg. Daar zat vaak een verhaal in waarin ook actie wordt ondernomen om iets of iemand te redden (Iolo komt niet spelen/duif maar dapper/de Marokkaan en de kat van tante Da ... ) .
Ik kocht dit boek in de luchthaven van Malta toen ik terug kwam van een reisje. Ik ben altijd wel te vinden voor koopjes en ze hadden daar een stapel boeken die in prijs verlaagd was tot 3 boeken voor 12 euro ;).
July 25, 2020
Un libro que disfruté muchísimo, a pesar de tan tristes circunstancias, vamos siguiendo el camino de Dek, quien acaba de perder a su padre y se encuentra con una madre deprimida y su padre convertido en un pez.
El viaje de Dek es precioso y te va a romper el corazón porque es solo un niño que tiene que pasar los primeros días de un acontecimiento triste solo, porque su madre también perdió a alguien y pese a que es su deber cuidarlo a pesar de ello, le ha resultado imposible.
Es un libro que me hizo llorar bastante y por eso mismo tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón porque me hizo sentir todo lo que sucedía a través de los ojos de un niño de 12 años.
El viaje de Dek es precioso y te va a romper el corazón porque es solo un niño que tiene que pasar los primeros días de un acontecimiento triste solo, porque su madre también perdió a alguien y pese a que es su deber cuidarlo a pesar de ello, le ha resultado imposible.
Es un libro que me hizo llorar bastante y por eso mismo tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón porque me hizo sentir todo lo que sucedía a través de los ojos de un niño de 12 años.
October 24, 2023
I loved the book clown fish it was very miserable and fun reading it was amazing I couldn’t leave it down for 10min I cried a lot reading it and especially at the end and when I finished the book . It was very inspiring and I understood that you should never give up who knew one day I was walking through the school library could change my day I remember when I first got the book, I thought it was old crap but the cover inspired me into reading it I felt a new adventure right in front of me a new path and here I am writing a review to fellow readers and I wish he could make more books like clown fish .
April 10, 2019
A moving, gently humorous and highly original story of a child's way of processing his grief on his father's sudden death. I'm not surprised that Alan Durant says it took many years to finish, because despite the fantasy element of the father becoming a clownfish after death, there is great depth in the exploration of Dak's very real emotions, as well as his mother's. I listened to it on audio and loved it.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed this quirky tale of a young boy whose father dies and apparently turns into a Clownfish! It is a lovely, warming tale about Dak missing the good times he had with his Dad. He meets a strong character who he at first dislikes, but as he comes to know her better, they become fast friends in their campaign to save the aquarium, which is under threat of closure.
I recommend this to all ages.
I recommend this to all ages.
September 3, 2021
This book literally had me in tears. What a wonderful, genuine and emotional story this was. It brought back so many memories of when I went through a very similar story when I was 9.
This book made me feel closer to my 9 year old self, how brave and sweet my ways to cope with grief were.
I think all kids should read this, regardless of the fact they might or might not have lost someone. And yes, even adults.
Be nice to everyone, as there might be more Daks around us.
This book made me feel closer to my 9 year old self, how brave and sweet my ways to cope with grief were.
I think all kids should read this, regardless of the fact they might or might not have lost someone. And yes, even adults.
Be nice to everyone, as there might be more Daks around us.
March 21, 2020
Unusual take on dealing with grief and death of a parent.
Good for UKS2. Perhaps a bit too emotive for younger children and care would need to be taken for individual circumstances/sensitive personalities
Good for UKS2. Perhaps a bit too emotive for younger children and care would need to be taken for individual circumstances/sensitive personalities
September 27, 2020
Reflections and lessons learned:
Dealing with loss and change in a sad but lovely way - you have to love the headband and pants on all clownfish... I especially loved the Dad jokes and aquarium setting!
Dealing with loss and change in a sad but lovely way - you have to love the headband and pants on all clownfish... I especially loved the Dad jokes and aquarium setting!
August 29, 2023
I knew something was fishy (i’m not sorry for the pun) from the first few pages because the fish (who was Dak’s dad) seemed a bit off and didn’t reciprocate the love Dak had for him. Turns out my guess was right.
It was a delightful read.
It was a delightful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
I thought this was written well. I liked the main character Dak and the love he had for his Dad. I could picture the aquarium in my head. It was a happy book as he loved his dad, but sad because he didn’t want to forget him. I really enjoyed it.
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