Fish Kid and the turtle torpedo by Kylie Howarth

Fish Kid and the Turtle Torpedo is the third book in the very entertaining Fish Kid series written and illustrated by Kylie Howarth. Fish Kid Bodhi and his best friend Emely are in the Maldives with Bodhi's parents who are once again involved in marine research. This time Bodhi's dad is studying dead coral which is lining the seashore of this beautiful island they are staying on. Both children though, have time on their hands to swim, snorkel and race hermit crabs on the beach. While swimming they encounter a large sea turtle floating precariously on the top of the ocean and unable to swim down under water to safety. They realise it is sick and Bodhi's super fish powers help him to take it to his parents who are able to transport it to a turtle sanctuary. Meanwhile Emely has been left behind and when Bodhi goes back to get her, he realizes she is missing. Eventually he finds her but their friendship is strained by Emely being unable to keep up with the Fish Kid and his super fish powers. Over the time left on the island Emely mysteriously disappears each morning and Bodhi is left on his own. He swims, snorkels and encounters all sorts of sea creatures on his travels. He spends time at the turtle sanctuary helping out the sick turtle, now named Scute, and trying to find out what Emely is up to. Her secret is eventually revealed and she helps Bodhi find a missing turtle deep in the ocean.

Added to the enjoyable story, the author cleverly gives the reader facts about the main sea creatures mentioned as well as providing important information on environmental issues. This novel would be an excellent class read aloud or small group novel. An activity kit is available for the series.

Themes: Themes: Humour, Marine Biology, Environmental Issues, Ocean Life, Adventures, Friendship, Turtle, Super Powers, Maldives.

Kathryn Beilby