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The Lobster Chronicles #1
Lower the Trap
Graeme knows every inch of his fishing community. What's left for a future marine biologist to discover? But when Graeme's dad catches a gargantuan lobster with antennae the size of bicycle spokes, Graeme is fascinated. Graeme is even more excited when his dad promises to put the creature up for auction at the town's annual lobster festival and, if it gets the highest bid, use the prize money to take Graeme to a marine research aquarium. But what if the right thing would be to set the lobster free? Lower the Trap is the first book in the Lobster Chronicles, a trilogy about what happens in a small coastal town when a giant lobster is caught. Each instalment describes the same events through a different boy's eyes, and the result is three suspenseful, believable stories and an engrossing reading experience.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2012
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 2, 2012
I thought the plot and description of Graeme's conflicting feelings (about Norris, about the lobster, etc.) were well done. However, some of the writing/language seemed too advanced for the targeted age group, and I felt many of the main character's relationships in the book (especially those with his father and sister) were very underdeveloped--resulting in a "lonely" feeling as I read. I also didn't understand, at the end of the book, the significance of Graeme responding "Someday" as opposed to "Can't wait!" when questioned about his intentions to become a marine biologist. It seemed like the author wanted the reader to see that Graeme had changed in some way or made some sort of realization--indicated through this altered response, but I was confused as to what change/realization might have been implied.
August 11, 2017
Excellent vocabulary, diction and syntax. Gives a really solid feel for the setting.
A short book, and doesn't pretend to be something it's not. The characters are described and given personality but left otherwise undeveloped, and more incorporated into the setting than anything else, but I suppose that's what you get for a juvenile fiction book that's only 125 small pages.
I thought the moral of the story was well-conveyed. The little twist at the end was very charming. Overall a lovely read.
A short book, and doesn't pretend to be something it's not. The characters are described and given personality but left otherwise undeveloped, and more incorporated into the setting than anything else, but I suppose that's what you get for a juvenile fiction book that's only 125 small pages.
I thought the moral of the story was well-conveyed. The little twist at the end was very charming. Overall a lovely read.
October 6, 2012
Graeme lives on a small island, loves marine life and wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up. His dad is a fisherman, and between the two of them, their house is filled with things, like a saltwater tub, sailor's knots and fishing nets. Although he loves his island, it has become almost too familiar, and "For Graeme, the unexplored sea beckoned." He's not sure how, but one day, he hopes to explore the waters beyond Lower Narrow Spit.
He just may get that chance when his dad catches a giant lobster and promises to take him to Big Fish Aquarium if it gets the highest bid at the lobster festival. He wants so desperately to go, that he strikes a bargain with Norris, a mean boy from his class, who claims that he'll get his father to bid high for the lobster. Helping Norris lands Graeme in a heap of trouble, and on top of that, he's feeling torn about whether the lobster should get sold at auction or put back at sea where it belongs. Will Graeme end up doing what's better for himself or what's right for his dad's prize catch?
This simple story has just enough depth to engage readers in the world of Lower Narrow Spit, without overwhelming them with too much information. It's more descriptive in terms of the setting and the situation than it is of the characters themselves. For example, we don't know exactly how old Graeme is or what happened to his mom. We never meet his sister, but we do learn about the little things she does to bug Graeme. The story is easy to follow, but within some chapters, readers may need to keep track of more than one day or a few different scenes. The ethical dilemma that Graeme faces will get kids thinking about how to treat other living things, and the details in the story may even make them curious about marine life. It's perfect for the reader who appreciates the story itself, and doesn't need action on every page.
He just may get that chance when his dad catches a giant lobster and promises to take him to Big Fish Aquarium if it gets the highest bid at the lobster festival. He wants so desperately to go, that he strikes a bargain with Norris, a mean boy from his class, who claims that he'll get his father to bid high for the lobster. Helping Norris lands Graeme in a heap of trouble, and on top of that, he's feeling torn about whether the lobster should get sold at auction or put back at sea where it belongs. Will Graeme end up doing what's better for himself or what's right for his dad's prize catch?
This simple story has just enough depth to engage readers in the world of Lower Narrow Spit, without overwhelming them with too much information. It's more descriptive in terms of the setting and the situation than it is of the characters themselves. For example, we don't know exactly how old Graeme is or what happened to his mom. We never meet his sister, but we do learn about the little things she does to bug Graeme. The story is easy to follow, but within some chapters, readers may need to keep track of more than one day or a few different scenes. The ethical dilemma that Graeme faces will get kids thinking about how to treat other living things, and the details in the story may even make them curious about marine life. It's perfect for the reader who appreciates the story itself, and doesn't need action on every page.
May 9, 2012
Lower the Trap - the Lobster Chronicles 1 tells the tale of lobstermen and fishermen in Nova Scotia. The work is real. The people are real. The struggles are real and Graeme Swinimer is stuck in the middle. He knows everything there is to know about Lower Narrow Spit. Graeme is looking for more. He intends to be a marine biologist when he grows up. He has a saltwater tank in his room that he observes closely to discover any new secrets that might be revealed. He knows there's more to learn, but he doesn't think he will find that in Lower Narrow Spit. He "can't wait" to be out and on his way.
But then his dad catches a gargantuan lobster that must be at least fifty years old. It's enormous and beautiful and amazing AND it is from his town... from his harbor...how could that be! There is a twist of course. Norris, Graeme's least favorite schoolmate, enlists his help in solving a mystery regarding their teacher's stolen cactus. The rub in all that is that Norris is the cannery owner's son. His family keeps the town going. He feels entitled and is sure that Graeme will do what is "right" to make sure that Norris and his dad get all they want.
It seems like that just might be the case until more people get involved and the fate of the lobster and of Graeme's feelings about his town and future aren't easily sold. It isn't always easy to know what is best, but it is always right to do what is just.
But then his dad catches a gargantuan lobster that must be at least fifty years old. It's enormous and beautiful and amazing AND it is from his town... from his harbor...how could that be! There is a twist of course. Norris, Graeme's least favorite schoolmate, enlists his help in solving a mystery regarding their teacher's stolen cactus. The rub in all that is that Norris is the cannery owner's son. His family keeps the town going. He feels entitled and is sure that Graeme will do what is "right" to make sure that Norris and his dad get all they want.
It seems like that just might be the case until more people get involved and the fate of the lobster and of Graeme's feelings about his town and future aren't easily sold. It isn't always easy to know what is best, but it is always right to do what is just.
April 14, 2012
Budding marine biologist Graeme Swinimer is thrilled when his father catches a huge lobster. Lower Narrow Spit, a fishing community, always has a lobster festival during which items are auctioned. The owner of the item that brings in the highest bid receives prize money, and Graeme's father promises to use the money--if his lobster wins--to take his son to a marine research aquarium. He reluctantly forms an alliance with Norris whose father owns the local cannery to search out the student responsible for taking their teacher's cactus. The annoying and untrustworthy Norris fears being blamed since he was responsible for Ms. Penfeld's collection of cacti while she was on maternity leave. The deal the two broker is that Graeme will find the guilty party and Norris will persuade his father to bid high on the lobster. However, as more attention comes to the village because of the lobster, Graeme begins to wonder if selling it and having it mounted on a wall somewhere really is the right thing to do. Since this is the first of a planned trilogy, readers will finish the book with some questions. I liked how the author described Graeme as trying to put his guilty feelings about the lobster out of his mind because he wanted so desperately to go to the aquarium.
September 16, 2012
A giant lobster is caught off shore in rural Nova Scotia and future marine biologist Graeme Swinimer's dad decides to auction it off at the annual lobsterfest. Graeme must weigh his personal benefit from the auction and the freedom of the ancient crustacean.
This is a simple story with a relaxed pace. Although there are some inconsistencies the familiar characters and condensed length will appeal to beginning chapter book readers.
Recommended: 7-10 years
Subject/Theme: Realistic Fiction, Lobster fishing, Nova Scotia
Series: first book in The Lobster Chronicles trilogy
This is a simple story with a relaxed pace. Although there are some inconsistencies the familiar characters and condensed length will appeal to beginning chapter book readers.
Recommended: 7-10 years
Subject/Theme: Realistic Fiction, Lobster fishing, Nova Scotia
Series: first book in The Lobster Chronicles trilogy
July 12, 2012
Cute, realistic story about a boy living in a fishing village in, I think, eastern Canada. I don't picture a lot of kids being drawn to it, but it's a quick enjoyable read, and I think they'd like it if they picked it up.
April 30, 2012
Short and easy to pass over, but don't overlook it. Does a good job of capturing sibling dynamics, dealing with difficult people, and battling with your conscience. Completely realistic.
June 9, 2012
Cute mystery for young readers and lovers of Eastern Canada shoreline.
August 20, 2012
This is a great story for the elementary audience with a lesson lerned along the way.
February 6, 2017
Cute but I wish there'd been a little more to it. I imagine the target audience won't mind though. Probably best for early elementary kids.
November 22, 2016
Excellent for the target audience; see http://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/2016... for details.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews