Ōtaki Today cartoonist Jared Carson has produced his third book in time for Christmas called Fish Musicians.

With typically quirky use of cartoon characters and rhyming prose, Fish Musicians features well-known musicians depicted as sea-life – think Eelvis Presley, David Buoy and Mackerel Jackson!

The story follows the task of Bernard the gurnard and Kate the skate, who are friends of Neptune, the king of the sea, to throw him a regal birthday party.

They have to organise a band, so they ask the best underwater musicians they can find. There are drummers, guitarists, trumpeters and flautists. There’s also the gig to organise, which is part of the story.

Fish Musicians is a fun book for parents and young readers. It follows two other successful books by the Ōtaki author, illustrator and musician – Animals in Vehicles and More Animals in Vehicles. All three books can be bought online at jaredcarson.co.nz or from RiverStone Cafe.

Jared plays drums for the Seven Wonders Fleetwood Mac Showcase, which is playing at the 2020 Ōtaki Kite Festival.