Book Review #130

 My First Day Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide

Author: Will Millard
Illustrator: Joanna Lisowiec
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN-13: 978-1419776946
Reading Level: ages 7–12

Topic: Freshwater fishing for beginners.

Accuracy: The information is presented clearly and reflects beginner fishing practices. The step-by-step guidance, safety tips, and conservation principles provide young anglers with a reliable introduction to freshwater fishing. It introduces young readers to the fundamentals of freshwater fishing. The book explains how to choose basic fishing equipment, cast a line, identify common freshwater fish, and fish responsibly. 

Organization: The content is presented in a logical, step-by-step format that builds confidence as readers progress from learning the basics to putting their new skills into practice. 

Genre / Theme / Style: Nonfiction, Outdoor Recreation, Nature, Educational, Beginner's Guide.

4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? My First Day Fishing is an excellent introduction for children who are curious about fishing but do not know where to begin. More experienced young fishers may not need some of the introductory material.

Critical Analysis: This is a kid-friendly guide that balances instruction with encouragement. The information is well organized, the illustrations fit the lessons, and the writing is easy for beginning anglers to understand. 

Connections: Readers interested in outdoor recreation, wildlife, camping, or nature exploration will find this book to be an excellent companion. It also goes well with hands-on learning experiences, making it a great resource for families, scout groups, and outdoor education programs.

ChatGPT (OpenAI), AI-generated image, 2026.

Book Review #129

 Don't Trust Fish

Author: Neil Sharpson
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN-13: 978-0593616673
Reading Level: Ages 4–8

Main Character: The story is about a narrator who becomes suspicious of fish, creating a funny but unreliable point of view.

Plot: What begins as an introduction to different animal groups quickly takes a strange turn when the narrator insists that fish cannot be trusted. Absurd evidence is presented; readers are invited to laugh while figuring out factual information and exaggerated opinions. The story ends with a clever twist that ties the narrator's unusual perspective together.

Settings: A simple, colorful world of animals, with the illustrations moving through a variety of environments.

Genre / Theme / Style: Humorous Picture Book, Animal Facts, Fiction, Critical Thinking.

4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? Don't Trust Fish is a clever picture book that gives real animal facts with humor. Dan Santat's illustrations match the narrator's increasingly outrageous claims. The story encourages readers to question information, think critically, and enjoy the fun of an unreliable narrator. This review was written without taking sides in the ongoing fish debate! 🐠

Psst... don't trust crabs, either! 🦀

Critical Analysis: This is a creative storytelling book that is (sometimes) educational and (sometimes) entertaining. Kids will enjoy the silly accusations against fish, while adults will appreciate the book's subtle encouragement to evaluate information carefully rather than accepting every claim at face value.

Connections: Readers who enjoy Don't Trust Fish may also enjoy The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak, This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne, or The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung. These books combine humor, imagination, and interactive storytelling to keep young readers engaged.