The Fish In Room No. 11
What’s inside...
Toby lives a lonely life at the seaside hotel where he was abandoned as a baby until he finds a pale, thin girl lying on the beach at the water's edge, with a long green tail swaying gently in the shallows. Eliza Flot is a stranded mermaid and she needs Toby's help. He takes to her like a fish to water, and when he meets her noisy parents he practically becomes part of the family. But Toby's new friendship arouses suspicion back at the hotel. Toby and the Flots must come up with a plan to rescue each other! A whimsical, funny, heart-warming story for seven-to-nine year-olds, from a talented new storyteller. This is the story of Toby, a little boy found in a room at a hotel by the sea. It is also the story of the Flots, a family of mermaids who are marooned under the pier. Together, the Flots and Toby plan how to help each other, find some buried treasure, and outwit Mr. Harris, the mean-minded hotel proprietor. In the process, Toby and the mermaids bring smiles to the faces of everyone they meet!
Age
7-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Toby
Mr. Harris
Discussion points
How do you think Toby felt when he met Eliza for the first time and why?
If you were in Toby's shoes, would you want to explore the mysterious seashell house? What would you be most excited to find?
What do you think the fish in room number 11 symbolizes in the story?
How do the actions of the characters show the importance of friendship and kindness?
What would you have done differently if you were a character in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the choices the characters make and explore alternate decisions and potential outcomes with your child to enhance critical thinking.
Point out specific moments where characters show empathy and discuss the importance of understanding others’ feelings.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book to keep them engaged and thinking ahead.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene, which can help solidify their understanding and appreciation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'The Fish in Room No. 11,' the bond between Toby and Eliza showcases the significance of nurturing relationships and remaining loyal to friends, regardless of the circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to understand the value of maintaining friendships and supporting one another through various life situations.
Example Lesson: Courage and stepping out of one's comfort zone
Explanation: The characters often find themselves in unfamiliar situations, demonstrating bravery and the ability to adapt, which are key aspects of the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences and not be afraid to try new things, which is crucial for personal growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the plot, Toby and other characters are faced with challenges that require thoughtful solutions, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and decision-making.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills in their daily lives when faced with conflicts or challenges, helping them to make thoughtful choices and find effective solutions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding differences
Explanation: The story explores themes of acceptance and understanding between characters from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to be more accepting and empathetic towards peers who may appear different or come from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often face setbacks but continue to persevere, emphasizing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from this by understanding that setbacks are a part of life and the importance of continuing to strive towards their goals despite difficulties.