How to Catch a Fish

Frank, John. 2007. HOW TO CATCH A FISH. Ill. by Peter Sylvada. New Milford, CT: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781596431638 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

REVIEW
Whether for sport or necessity, fishing has been an activity that has provided universal tranquility. The art of luring and capturing the finned prey is the subject of Frank’s poetry. Each poem highlights the catching of fish in countries all over the world from seine fishing in Tobago to cormorant fishing in Japan. Wispy oil paintings of anglers accompany the untitled verses while captions note the locale and style of fishing being described.

The informative aspect of the text rivals the elegance of the book. Readers who are fishermen will be interested to learn about the various methods of the sport. Non-anglers will simply enjoy the artistic nature of the well-written poetry. Together the two provide a superb cross-cultural, cross-geographical look at the various methods to accomplishing a common task.

CONNECTIONS
Synthesize information about fishing tools, fishing lures, casting, boats, etc. into a chart organized by country or culture. Compare and contrast the types of fish available in different parts of the world or in different waters.

Write a memoir of a time spent participating in a hobby with a parent or grandparent. Describe the process, the tools involved, the adult’s skill and knowledge. Choose or write poetry that reflects the feelings of the experience.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about fishing:
Kurlansky, Mark. THE COD’S TALE. ISBN 0399234764
Love, Ann. FISHING. ISBN 0329297910
McMillan, Bruce. GOING FISHING. ISBN 0618472010
Prosek, James. A GOOD DAY’S FISHING. ISBN 0689853270

Other sports-related poetry books:
Prelutsky, Jack. GOOD SPORTS: RHYMES ABOUT RUNNING, JUMPING, THROWING, AND MORE. ISBN 0375837000
Smith, Jr. Charles R. HOOP KINGS. ISBN 076363560X


By Rebecca McKee