Marina lives in Merlington, a fish-obsessed seaside town . . .
Unfortunately, she doesn’t care for fish; she loves to tell stories. Marina finds her best story yet when she explores the ruined, haunted pier: a boy called William, with a head of tentacles and crab claws for hands. He has lived on the pier all his life, cared for by a fisherman who has since disappeared and who warned him always to remain hidden.
Together, the pair resolve to unravel the mystery of his past – but danger lurks among the fishmongers . . .
🐟 The debut novel by Richard Pickard, a fresh new voice in children's fiction and winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman's Choice 2019.
🐟 A funny, dark, core middle-grade story touching on themes of lies, storytelling, secrets, acceptance and, of course, fish!
🐟 Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Edward Scissorhands!
Published 5th August 2021
Cover Illustration: Maxine Lee-Mackie
Praise for The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy
“An affecting, engaging study of the pleasures and pitfalls of outsiderdom.”
“The story has been polished like a pebble in a gift shop … So charming and quirky.”
“The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy swam away with my heart and made me cry with laughter. I loved this story of fish, friendship and finding yourself.”
“A funny and touching contemporary fairy tale.”
“A quirky adventure tale with bite.”
“Full of heart, adventure and wordplay.”
“Crammed to the gills with everything I want in a middle-grade book ... I was swept right into the vivid world of Merlington and adored the larger-than-life characters deftly drawn in technicolour – they sing from the pages! ”
“A wonderfully silly story of danger, mystery, and sashimi. Packed with fishy puns and a truly awful villain!”
“A fantastic read with memorable characters, perfect fishy puns, and a really charming voice. A gem of a book.”
“As moreish and delicious as chips at the pier. Charming and delightful, this is a gorgeous yarn expertly spun. A whimsical adventure story stuffed to the flippers with fish puns and fun.”
“I’d really recommend this wonderful fun-packed mystery as it’s so well written, with something for everyone to relate to & enjoy.”
“This peculiar tale made me laugh a lot! An adorably quirky and brilliantly fishy adventure that warms the heart.”
My earliest notes for The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy, including a sketch of William’s old pier.
World Rights
World rights, including Film & TV, are owned by Chicken House. To date, they have sold for World English Audio, the Netherlands and Romania.