The Wrong Cheese

By W. Jeffrey Tatum

A new children's book by David Morton for 8 - 11 year olds to read.

This is a story of life in a large lake and of Morris the Mirror Carp who is now old, and happy to live out the rest of his days grazing on the gravel lake-bed, looking for cheese.
His peace is disturbed when Queen Thea, a Tench, asks him to search the lake and find out what is happening to the fish, as the population is getting smaller, and if a war is about to start with the Pikes who are suspected of taking more food than they are allowed.
The Queen insists her royal bodyguard, a Japanese Koi carp called Kenzo, goes with him. However, the royal princess, Tina, tags along as well and their adventure begins.
Morris confronts the King of the Pike’s, Gaspard, but he is only a puppet king now. His kingdom is being run by his two sons who are suspected of planning a take-over of the lake.
Can Morris persuade Gaspard to join them and find out who is taking the fish?
Join Morris and his friends, and discover who is responsible for the unrest in Lily Lake, and if Morris will ever find the right cheese.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Balaam
• Release date: Nov 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780993586460

W. Jeffrey Tatum

Enter the Author Bio(s) here.

Book preview

Chapter Two

I had not seen Queen Freya for some time and I felt bad about that.  Our last meeting had been friendly, but she seemed nervous every time I suggested she ventured out and let her subjects see more of her.  Princess Tina, on the other hand, was full of energy and loved nothing more than swimming in and out of the lily beds with her friends and having fun.  I hope she will be as wise as her mother one day when she becomes Queen.

The palace was on the far side of the lake set deep into the lily beds for protection from predators.  I arrived carrying a present of half a worm I found on the lake bed, which must have fallen off a hook.  I knew it was one of her favourites and hoped it would make up for not seeing her for a while.  As I approached the fortified dug-out I saw Kenzo again.

Morris, he whispered, it was, in fact, Princess Tina who sent for you. She told me to say her mother wanted to see you in case you would not come.

But why? I asked. Of course I would have come. Where is she?

Kenzo led me through the entrance of the dug-out, down deep tunnels and through gaps in the lily beds I only just managed to squeeze through.

Kenzo, I called out. Is there an easier way? I am not suited to this terrain. I could swear Kenzo smiled at my plight.

Nearly there, Morris. Just around this corner.

Princess Tina was surrounded by friends and squealed in delight at seeing me.

Morris, you came. She said sliding up to me and rubbing her nose against my right pectoral fin.

It’s good to see you too, princess, but why all the mystery?  Princess Tina asked all her friends to leave so we could be alone. Kenzo stayed on-guard several ‘scales’ away but could not hear us.

Oh, Morris. Mother has been so difficult lately. Please talk to her.

Of course I will, but what about? I asked, now very curious.  Tina swam around slowly in circles as if trying to think of what to say. 

"Tina, what has happened? What are you not telling