My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish: The SeaQuel



Last updated Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Author: Mo O'Hara
Illustrator: Marek Jagucki
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 1250029201
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2016

Synopsis: After Tom rescued Frankie the goldfish from his big brother Mark's toxic science experiment by zapping him back to life with a battery, Frankie somehow became a BIG FAT ZOMBIE GOLDFISH with dangerous hypnotic powers. Fortunately, Frankie has appointed himself Tom's bodyguard, and together, with a little help from their friends, they thwart Mark's Evil Scientist plans.
Tom is looking forward to their annual family trip to the seaside, right up until he hears about the Evil Eel of Eel Bay--a monster that Mark is entirely too interested in. After all, even a BIG FAT ZOMBIE GOLDFISH might have a little trouble with a Super Electric Zombie Eel! Then, Frankie takes center stage to rescue Tom's school play from Mark's evil plans.

Note to readers:
•  Begin with chapter 6.
•  Summary up to chapter 6: Pradeep and Tom are finally able to join their dads and Tom's big brother, Mark, an evil scientist, on their annual Big Summer Weekend. Pradeep's little sister, Sami, and Frankie, Tom's zombie, bodyguard goldfish, also come along. Mark is not happy about all of them joining in on the trip. They go to Eel Bay, where they learn from the lighthouse keeper that a dangerous, evil eel resides in the sea. Mark comes up with a plan to capture the eel. Pradeep and Tom decide that they have to find out what his plan is.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever owned a goldfish?
•  Have you ever been to the ocean?
•  Do you think zombie goldfish are real?

Vocabulary

•  Tarpaulin - a large piece of waterproof material
•  Millipedes - a small creature that is like an insect and that has a long, thin body with many legs
•  Lighthouse - a tower with a powerful light that is built on or near the shore to guide ships away from danger
•  Jetty - a long structure that is built out into water
•  Motion Sickness - a feeling of sickness caused by motion
•  Thrashed - to move about violently
•  Hypnotized - to hold the attention of someone in a powerful or mysterious way

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you get motion sickness?
•  How was Mark trying to catch the eel?
•  Who was unexpectedly in Mark's boat?
•  Who saves Pradeep?
•  Does Mark catch the eel?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a zombie goldfish. Cut out a fish shape from a paper plate. See Pinterest for the pattern. Color the fish orange, draw in zombie eyes, and add sharp teeth. See picture on the cover of the book.
•  Make an evil eel. Cut out the outer edge of the paper plate and then cut in half. Glue together to make an 'S' shape. Use the remaining paper plate to make a head, tongue, teeth, and fins to glue on the body and then color. See Pinterest for an example. See page 42 and 46 for pictures of the eel.
•  Draw a scary pumpkin for Halloween to hang in your home.
•  See examples on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2016-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Have kids complete the word search that will be provided at the reading clubs

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!