GUPPY LOVE, OR, THE DAY THE FISH TANK EXPLODED Frank O'Keeffe. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 1986. 138pp., paper, $5.95. ISBN 0-921103-04-2. CIP. Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11 Reviewed by Janice Foster. Volume 15 Number 2 1987 March First love is a popular topic with preteen readers. Guppy Love combines that first crush with the marvellous ingredient of humour to produce a novel that will delight its readers and have them roaring with laughter at the escapades of ten-year-old Natalie. The story begins the day the fish tank exploded. Natalie, returning to the classroom at recess for a cookie, comes upon the disaster. She immediately rescues the fish by dropping them into the only available container, a mug of cold coffee on her teacher's desk. What a surprise when Mr. Martin, her teacher, proceeds to drink the cold, fishy coffee. What follows is Natalie's realization of her love for Mr. Martin and several funny episodes that result from her crush. An attack at the school board meeting by killer bees, a burglary, and a fire compound Natalie's dilemma of how to let her teacher know she is in love with him. The surprise ending resolves her problem and helps her to understand "guppy love." Guppy Love is fast moving and easy reading. The excellent characterizations allow the reader to readily identify with the characters and experience Natalie's situation first hand. The strong element of humour is the highlight of the novel and will have its readers laughing out loud. The contemporary references to Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton will appeal to the pre-teen audience. This is definitely a light, enjoyable book. Janice Foster, Cecil Rhodes E.S., Winnipeg, MB.