When Stink's parents win tickets for the whole family to sleep over at the aquarium, it sounds like a science freak's dream come true. Book #9

This book is a great example of Realistic fiction because the book is relatable to families. It has actual animals made up in real life at the aquarium. Parents can actually win tickets to sleep over in an aquarium. The characters are realistic and relatable but also, the personalities make the story more lifelike.

I would use this for a lesson talking about aquariums, but I would only use a chapter or two. I would also use the book as an independent reading book for a student who wants realistic fantasy.

Media: Watercolors

Grade 3rd -5th graders

Below is my review of the audiobook only. It appeared in the June, 2014 issue of School Library Journal and is reprinted with permission.

Gr 1–4—Stink's family and several of his friends have won a sleepover at the local aquarium. Everything is going swimmingly until the aquarium guide tells the story of "Bloody Mary," the undead vampire squid locked behind the door marked "Do Not Enter." Between worrying about Bloody Mary and the fact that his best friend Sophie's hermit crab is missing, Stink may never fall asleep! Barbara Rosenblat creates easily distinguishable characters, but her portrayal of wiseacre Riley Rottenberger has more sarcasm than necessary for an early chapter book, and Stink's scratchy, gravelly voice seems ill-suited to a second-grader. Factual chapter interludes are delivered with the style of energetic announcements and feature facts on aquatic creatures and on the origin of the "Bloody Mary" ghost story. Any child who gets anxious about sleeping away from home will relate to the Shark Sleepover. Best purchased as a companion for the illustrated print version. ( )