The-Fabulous-Tale-of-Fish-and-Chips

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Who doesn’t love fish and chips? In this true-ish origin story, you’ll find out how the iconic British fish dish was inspired by a serendipitous accident, and is actually not British at all!

A PJ Library Selection

Joseph Malin loves his grandmother’s fried fish. It’s so good, he thinks he can sell it to help bring in money for his immigrant family. He hawks it on the streets of 19th Century London’s East End, and it’s a hit! But then, disaster strikes. Annette, the greengrocer across the street, decides to hawk her own family favourite – Belgian-style fried potatoes. Joseph has to work even harder now to make ends meet. His resentment sizzles as vigorously as his delicious fried fish.

The competition between Joseph and Annette heats up. They sidle past each other in the crowded market, carrying their bulky trays and glowering, each trying to shout louder, sing better, sell more than their rival. Until one day…Crash!

The two rivals collide.

Chips slip. Fish flies.

Annette and Joseph are both ruined! Or---perhaps not. Perhaps they’ve literally stumbled upon a good idea. What if they joined Joseph’s fish and Annette’s chips into one mouth-wateringly, lip-smackingly, palate-pleasing combo platter of Fish and Chips?

The plan works, and before long, Annette and Joseph are operating the very first Fish and Chips shop in the world. Thanks to good fortune and grandma’s recipes, they have invented the iconic British menu item (no mushy peas, though!).

978-1784385705 paperback

Reviews:

"The story is wonderfully penned. Right from the first page to the last, it holds your attention. The language is quite simple and hence easy to understand for little readers. The illustrations add further magic to the book. They are fabulous and support the narrative flow perfectly… I simply adored this fictional take on the origin of fish and chips and would heartily recommend it to independent readers aged 6+."

NetGalley

"Joseph Malin loves catching and eating fish - but selling it is hard, until he thinks of marketing it ready-friend. Then, it sells like hot fish - exciting customers so much that they story buying veg from the vendor next door. So she reinvents her potatoes… The Fabulous Tale of Fish & Chips by Helaine Becker begins with the real history of Joseph Malin’s business success - then serves up the chips. Omer Hoffmann’s wonderfully detailed drawings - and Becker’s family fried-fish recipe complete the delicious package."

Angela Kiverstein, The Jewish Chronicle

“Kids will love Becker’s sprightly text and appreciate Joseph’s and Annette’s enterprising spirits…. Omer Hoffmann joyously brings this fun and fabulous tale to vivid life with his detailed, emotive, high energy illustrations.”