Crackers

Crackers was Mandy Straussberg's pet goldfish, won at a fair behind Whit's End. Mandy promised to follow Eugene's careful instructions and once carried her new companion everywhere. As gymnastics, ballet, and a kitten demanded more of her attention, however, the fishbowl grew cloudy and Crackers was neglected. After he was found floating upside down, Harlow Doyle launched a wildly complicated investigation involving Mandy's brother, a snake, a cat, and even imaginary gunmen. Crackers provides his own talkative account of what really happened, clearing the innocent suspects. His sad fate teaches Mandy that caring for a living creature requires steady responsibility, not merely the excitement and affection that come with bringing a new pet home.