Papa's Mechanical Fish

Biographer (Amelia Lost, rev. 3/11) and picture-book-fiction author (Oh, No!, rev. 9/12) Fleming presents a story that's "almost true" -- based on the work of unsung nineteenth-century inventor Lodner Phillips. Young narrator Virena's eccentric papa is indefatigable; unfortunately, none of his inventions -- from edible socks to steam-powered roller skates -- quite works. Then, at Virena's inadvertent suggestion, he latches onto a big, important idea: "an underwater vessel...a mechanical fish." Through many iterations, he perfects his design, and though each launch is a flop, he learns something from every failure. Finally, the submarine Whitefish IV (with its innovative propulsion, steering, and air-purifying systems) is a success -- and the whole family goes along for the ride. Fleming's telling is lively, humorous, and specific. Everyone is involved in the process, from the narrator to the dog: "I think for a minute, then ask, 'Papa, how do fish move through the water?' 'With their tails?' says Cyril. 'With their fins?' adds Mary. 'Fishy go!' squeals the baby. 'Woof!' barks Rex." Illustrator Kulikov puts his own imaginative spin on the proceedings, populating Lake Michigan with enormous golden-scaled fish that echo the design of the Whitefish, and pacing the book with a variety of perspectives and page layouts. Just as Fleming uses a direct address ("This is my Papa"), so does Kulikov, with characters looking out at the picture-book audience and occasionally even mugging for the camera (especially the dog). Back matter includes a brief biography of submarine innovator Phillips and an extensive list of sources. martha v. parravano