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Water Wings
Pearl and Gran dragged the boxes of junk out of the attic. Sticking out of Pearl's box were some fat pink tubes. She picked on up and realized what it was.
"Gran," she said. "Are these floties yours?"
"They're water wings," Gran said. She stared at the water wings for ages. Her eyes, Pearl saw, were full of tears.
Pearl has a secret hidden in the family freezer. But Gran's dark secrets are buried much deeper. Pearl, Gran and Winston the guinea pig face some tough truths in this brilliant, funny and moving novel.
"Gran," she said. "Are these floties yours?"
"They're water wings," Gran said. She stared at the water wings for ages. Her eyes, Pearl saw, were full of tears.
Pearl has a secret hidden in the family freezer. But Gran's dark secrets are buried much deeper. Pearl, Gran and Winston the guinea pig face some tough truths in this brilliant, funny and moving novel.
139 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 1997
7 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Morris Gleitzman
121 books977 followersMorris began his writing career as a screenwriter, and wrote his first children's novel in 1985. His brilliantly comic style has endeared him to children and adults alike, and he is now one of Australia's most successful authors, both internationally and at home. He was born in England in 1953 and emigrated to Australia in 1969 so he could escape from school and become a Very Famous Writer.
Before realising that dream, he had a colourful career as paperboy, bottle-shop shelf-stacker, department store Santa Claus, frozen chicken defroster, fashion-design assistant and sugar-mill employee. In between he managed to gain a degree in Professional Writing at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. Later he became sole writer for three award-winning and top-rating seasons with the TV comedy series The Norman Gunston Show.
Morris wrote a number of feature film and telemovie screenplays, including The Other Facts of Life and Second Childhood, both produced by The Australian Children's Television Foundation. The Other Facts of Life won an AWGIE Award for the Best Original Children's Film Script.
He also wrote live stage material for people such as Rolf Harris, Pamela Stephenson and the Governor General of Australia. Morris is well known to many people through his semi-autobiographical columns in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald magazine, Good Weekend, which he wrote for nine years.
But the majority of Morris' accolades are for his hugely popular children's books. One of his most successful books for young people is Two Weeks with the Queen, an international bestseller which was also adapted into a play by Mary Morris. The play had many successful seasons in Australia and was then produced at the National Theatre in London in 1995 directed by Alan Ayckbourn, and also in South Africa, Canada, Japan and the USA.
All his other books have been shortlisted for or have won numerous children's book prizes. These include The Other Facts of Life, Second Childhood, Misery Guts, Worry Warts, Puppy Fat, Blabber Mouth, Sticky Beak, Belly Flop, Water Wings, Bumface, Gift Of The Gab, Toad Rage, Wicked! and Deadly!, two six-part novels written in collaboration with Paul Jennings, Adults Only, Toad Heaven, Boy Overboard, Teacher's Pet, Toad Away, Girl Underground, Worm Story, Once, Aristotle's Nostril, Doubting Thomas, Give Peas A Chance, Then, Toad Surprise, Grace, Now, Too Small To Fail, and his latest book, Pizza Cake. Morris' children's books have been published in the UK, the USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia and Czechoslovakia, Russia and China.
Before realising that dream, he had a colourful career as paperboy, bottle-shop shelf-stacker, department store Santa Claus, frozen chicken defroster, fashion-design assistant and sugar-mill employee. In between he managed to gain a degree in Professional Writing at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. Later he became sole writer for three award-winning and top-rating seasons with the TV comedy series The Norman Gunston Show.
Morris wrote a number of feature film and telemovie screenplays, including The Other Facts of Life and Second Childhood, both produced by The Australian Children's Television Foundation. The Other Facts of Life won an AWGIE Award for the Best Original Children's Film Script.
He also wrote live stage material for people such as Rolf Harris, Pamela Stephenson and the Governor General of Australia. Morris is well known to many people through his semi-autobiographical columns in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald magazine, Good Weekend, which he wrote for nine years.
But the majority of Morris' accolades are for his hugely popular children's books. One of his most successful books for young people is Two Weeks with the Queen, an international bestseller which was also adapted into a play by Mary Morris. The play had many successful seasons in Australia and was then produced at the National Theatre in London in 1995 directed by Alan Ayckbourn, and also in South Africa, Canada, Japan and the USA.
All his other books have been shortlisted for or have won numerous children's book prizes. These include The Other Facts of Life, Second Childhood, Misery Guts, Worry Warts, Puppy Fat, Blabber Mouth, Sticky Beak, Belly Flop, Water Wings, Bumface, Gift Of The Gab, Toad Rage, Wicked! and Deadly!, two six-part novels written in collaboration with Paul Jennings, Adults Only, Toad Heaven, Boy Overboard, Teacher's Pet, Toad Away, Girl Underground, Worm Story, Once, Aristotle's Nostril, Doubting Thomas, Give Peas A Chance, Then, Toad Surprise, Grace, Now, Too Small To Fail, and his latest book, Pizza Cake. Morris' children's books have been published in the UK, the USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia and Czechoslovakia, Russia and China.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 30, 2021
3.5 STARS BASED PURELY ON MOOD - GLEITZMAN DID A GREAT JOB - IT JUST WASN'T ALL-TOGETHER THE BOOK FOR ME.
Ok so I read this book when I was in Primary/Elementary School but it had never stuck with me. Upon seeing the book ath my mothers place - I decided to claim it back and give it a re-read.
Now - at last - I GET why it never stuck with me.
As I said, it's not a bad book. Anyone wanting a great book for a child - this is a good one!
But I read this as an Adult and what it boiled down to were 2 things: (mentioned in spoiler)
For only 2 'things' to happen in a book (even middle grade) I can't personally give it 5 Stars. But - as I said - it's just my own mood rating. Great book - highly recommend for CHILDREN.
3 Stars xoxo.
Ok so I read this book when I was in Primary/Elementary School but it had never stuck with me. Upon seeing the book ath my mothers place - I decided to claim it back and give it a re-read.
Now - at last - I GET why it never stuck with me.
As I said, it's not a bad book. Anyone wanting a great book for a child - this is a good one!
But I read this as an Adult and what it boiled down to were 2 things: (mentioned in spoiler)
For only 2 'things' to happen in a book (even middle grade) I can't personally give it 5 Stars. But - as I said - it's just my own mood rating. Great book - highly recommend for CHILDREN.
3 Stars xoxo.
July 11, 2021
I first read this book 15 years ago, when I was 12 years old. I remember feeling sad and really very emotional when reading this book, time went by and slowly I forgot the title, the author and most parts of the story but the “best bits” had always been in my heart. ALWAYS. I’m so glad I was able to find this book again by searching only what I remember. Looking back, I don’t think it affected my innocence negatively, if anything my view of the world looked broader. Kids would love this book ‘cause the best bits of the story will be carved in their hearts forever.
April 19, 2019
It was one of the greatest books I have ever read. It was funny and sad at the same time. At first it sounded like it was going to be a really short book, but then it got better. When I finished the book, I wished I never had. If you have not read this book before, I really think you should. You will thank me when you have read it.😜
March 2, 2022
I read this book with my mum during primary school. It handles some very hard subjects and realities that we hide from children far too much. I did have a hard time reading it because of the loss in it but it actually helped me work through some of my grief because I wasn't left to read it alone. Would recommend a parent or guardian working through this book with younger children.
May 31, 2018
its been a long while since I have read one of Morris Gleitzman's books but I came across this one when labeling our library books for the Premiers Reading Challenge. This is a weird and wacky story but with a lot of heart and a few tears.
February 3, 2023
What it isn't is a book about a swimming guinea pig, so that took me a bit by surprise. What it is though is another fantastic example of Morris Gleitzman's ability to write very beautiful, straightforward children's books that center around very adult themes, in this case death.
August 19, 2019
MG doesn't hold back from the harder issues, but he handles them so well for his audience. Tissues at the ready for this one.
November 4, 2019
[childhood favourite]
December 4, 2019
This ones a bit sad
May 5, 2023
I loved this book it was really good and bit sad
Read
August 17, 2023tom
February 29, 2012
I found this book because it was recommended to us (Matt and I) on Library Thing after he posted a review on Going Solo. It was British. It was funny and the cover looked great. We decided to give it a try. I it fit into my reading pile this vacation.
The book that I read had not been Americanized and I am wondering how it would be changed if it were to be published for an American audience. I think much would be lost. Perhaps that is why it is not known here. I am very glad to have read it. I would like others to read it too.
It begins, "What I need,' said Pearl, as she started to slide off the roof, 'is a grandmother." There weren't any around, so Pearl grabbed hold of the TV aerial instead. Then a thought hit her. She looked anxiously down at the driveway. If she fell, she didn't want to fall on Wonston. He was the kindest bravest guinea pig in the whole world, but if he tried to catch her he'd be the flattest." And so the story begins with the best of friends and the wish from a grandmother. Pearl's dad has left, her mom is really busy - too busy for her, and Howard, her new boyfriend has a promising mother who could be a grandmother of sorts.
Funny beginning, careful, tender middle, very serious ending... loneliness, friendship, honesty and loss are strong themes in this book. Amazingly strong. I will think about this book carefully. I am guessing it will come back and back and back again. What do you think of Winston? What do you think of remembering? What do you think of Gran? How would you say good-bye?
The book that I read had not been Americanized and I am wondering how it would be changed if it were to be published for an American audience. I think much would be lost. Perhaps that is why it is not known here. I am very glad to have read it. I would like others to read it too.
It begins, "What I need,' said Pearl, as she started to slide off the roof, 'is a grandmother." There weren't any around, so Pearl grabbed hold of the TV aerial instead. Then a thought hit her. She looked anxiously down at the driveway. If she fell, she didn't want to fall on Wonston. He was the kindest bravest guinea pig in the whole world, but if he tried to catch her he'd be the flattest." And so the story begins with the best of friends and the wish from a grandmother. Pearl's dad has left, her mom is really busy - too busy for her, and Howard, her new boyfriend has a promising mother who could be a grandmother of sorts.
Funny beginning, careful, tender middle, very serious ending... loneliness, friendship, honesty and loss are strong themes in this book. Amazingly strong. I will think about this book carefully. I am guessing it will come back and back and back again. What do you think of Winston? What do you think of remembering? What do you think of Gran? How would you say good-bye?
December 17, 2020
This is an interesting book. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I was interested because a guinea pig was a major player. It's not perfect, there are some issues, but I did mostly enjoy it. It is a story I think would be better for older kids as there are themes that come up, mostly death.
I'm not a huge fan of the writing style. I get that it's a kid's book, but sometimes things seem to just...move too fast? It's hard to explain but sometimes details suddenly appear and the scenes just kind of shift around. Example that bothered me: at the start of the book, Pearl is climbing down the roof and talking to another character. Suddenly, everyone is just inside the house. Yes, I am being nitpicky, but I found it distracting.
Here and there were some dated things (black face mentioned in passing). It's an older book and from Australia, but something to be aware of if you are a parent.
The story itself was interesting and didn't shy away from discussing death frankly. It's a unique book, a rough gem, if you will. I think with a bit more polish it would be a lot better. But, I still enjoyed it.
I'm not a huge fan of the writing style. I get that it's a kid's book, but sometimes things seem to just...move too fast? It's hard to explain but sometimes details suddenly appear and the scenes just kind of shift around. Example that bothered me: at the start of the book, Pearl is climbing down the roof and talking to another character. Suddenly, everyone is just inside the house. Yes, I am being nitpicky, but I found it distracting.
Here and there were some dated things (black face mentioned in passing). It's an older book and from Australia, but something to be aware of if you are a parent.
The story itself was interesting and didn't shy away from discussing death frankly. It's a unique book, a rough gem, if you will. I think with a bit more polish it would be a lot better. But, I still enjoyed it.
March 1, 2014
This book was a pleasure to read and has all the Gleitzman trademarks: young, lovable, naive central character; lots of humour embedded in the story; serious "issue" (or in this case issues) being dealt with.
Hard to talk about the end without spoilers - but I did feel the "issue" of choice being addressed sort of snuck up on me and wasn't what I was expecting. I also wasn't comfortable with just how involved Pearl was at the end - it is a very fine line.
It is this that prevents me from reading the book to my class. I think this would be fine for the 10+ age group it is aimed at if they chose it themselves, it would certainly lead to a lot of conversation, but I am not sure I want to be the one who selects it for them (if that makes sense).
Hard to talk about the end without spoilers - but I did feel the "issue" of choice being addressed sort of snuck up on me and wasn't what I was expecting. I also wasn't comfortable with just how involved Pearl was at the end - it is a very fine line.
It is this that prevents me from reading the book to my class. I think this would be fine for the 10+ age group it is aimed at if they chose it themselves, it would certainly lead to a lot of conversation, but I am not sure I want to be the one who selects it for them (if that makes sense).
June 28, 2019
I read this novel to my family in the car on a long road trip, and highlights include everyone laughing when Winston's, who is the unfortunate, yet beloved, frozen and dead guinea pig, ear snaps off, in a moment of macabre and hilarious humour.
In all seriousness, this novel is funny, engaging, and above all deeply moving, and has been a favourite of mine since I read it when I was about 12. It deals with serious issues such as death, cancer, and euthanasia through the sharp eyes of the young protagonist, Pearl. This novel is insightful, and a testament to the bounds of found family, human compassion, and the power of a very intelligent guinea pig, Winston.
In all seriousness, this novel is funny, engaging, and above all deeply moving, and has been a favourite of mine since I read it when I was about 12. It deals with serious issues such as death, cancer, and euthanasia through the sharp eyes of the young protagonist, Pearl. This novel is insightful, and a testament to the bounds of found family, human compassion, and the power of a very intelligent guinea pig, Winston.
January 18, 2014
3,5/5
seperti biasa, dibuat tertawa dengan cerita karya Morris Gleitzman.
kisahnya sebenernya mengharukan, tapi berkat Om Gleitzman, dengan ciri khas tulisannya yang nyentrik, eksekusi buku ini menjadi penuh humor di setiap kesempatan.
Dari beberapa karya Morris Gleitzman yang sudah aku baca sejauh ini, ini kisah yang paling 'meaning' menurutku.
seperti biasa, dibuat tertawa dengan cerita karya Morris Gleitzman.
kisahnya sebenernya mengharukan, tapi berkat Om Gleitzman, dengan ciri khas tulisannya yang nyentrik, eksekusi buku ini menjadi penuh humor di setiap kesempatan.
Dari beberapa karya Morris Gleitzman yang sudah aku baca sejauh ini, ini kisah yang paling 'meaning' menurutku.
October 19, 2015
I found this strange little book on the self of the used bookstore where I work and just had to read it. What a beautiful, sad, funny tale that I felt like was missing many pages as I wanted to spend more time with all of the characters including the guinea pig.
February 9, 2024
It is my personal opinion that this book is not appropriate for children of primary school age. My son is currently reading this book for school and I feel that the topics and actions of the main character is better suited for older high school students.
September 27, 2009
it is a hilerous book with all diffenet things to it it is touching and sad you willl ove it
December 25, 2009
Sad ending... ups, it's not spoiler, is it?
November 20, 2009
sad, cute, simple
February 12, 2010
'Twas a meh book. Interesting to me when I was younger, but not so much now.
April 22, 2012
This book is a total little gem, and deserves a lot more attention than it gets. The kids left it on the table, I picked it up and before I knew I'd read all of it.
Heartfelt and full of emotion.
Heartfelt and full of emotion.
January 27, 2012
Very cute; funny; dark and made me cry.
March 19, 2013
I am shocked with words it is such a great book short review but means a lot to me
September 8, 2013
realllly love this! pure..laugh n love.
November 19, 2016
Loved this book as a kid. Very entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews