Today I'm Going Fishing with My Dad

by N.L. Sharp, Chris L. Demarest (Illustrator)

The young boy who serves as the narrator of this gentle picture book doesn't like fishing. He doesn't like hooking worms. He doesn't like the smell of fish. He doesn't even like the outdoors, but his dad likes these things, and the boy likes being with his dad. Full-color illustrations.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Baylor Herring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Today I’m Going Fishing with My Dad, written by N.L Sharp, is a simple, yet beautifully illustrated book about a young boy and his father on their yearly fishing trip. His dad loves every aspect of this trip, but his son does not. The biting mosquitoes, the quiet, the squirmy worms, the smelly fish, and so much more. He hates going fishing, but his dad loves it. And he loves his dad. So he will go fishing with his dad.
Analysis: This book has the most beautiful watercolor illustrations that truly make the book enjoyable. They depict the story so well, in a way that many other books aren’t able to do. This book is perfect for younger boys who go through similar things and are able to relate to the young boy in the book. I think this is a great read for younger readers, especially boys.
How I could use this: I think this book is absolutely adorable in all aspects. It is not a story you expect, especially with the young boy hating this trip, yet it comes together in the end with a beautiful lesson. I would love to have this book in my classroom, especially to have a book that my boys will gravitate towards.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it starts out really sweet, until you discover that the little boy hates fishing. Then there’s several pages of complaints. It does end with the little boy saying that “But I love spending time with my dad, and my dad likes to go fishing so … today I’m going fishing with my dad.”

So maybe a good book for discussing how we sometimes have to do things we don’t like.

Ages: 4 - 8

Cleanliness: see above.

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[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

so fun, are you a fisherman or fisherlady? so fun, great illustrations .. i recall fishing with my Grandma Ruby and her stepping on my fishing pole and ending up with a hook in my finger ... but never my Dad ... my Dad and i did baseball games ... but we did watch "Bill Dance" on the tv??! guess that counts.

[Aaron · Rating 1 out of 5]

NEGATIVE NELLY

Not a good story to read to your kids who love fishing. They need to write stories that will motivate kids to enjoy the outdoors.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did not like the past two I detailed, I adored this one, since it brought to mind when I go kayaking with my father! And when I was younger we'd go fishing from the shore semi-regularly.

I have a picture of a time when I caught a huge fish with my father on a deep-sea fishing boat: at this place - you may not be able to see it if you're not friends with my family, friends or me.
(According to my history: it was not large enough to keep.)

This is something we like to do. Most likely we will not again for a while, though, due to the time of year. However, it induces happiness in all parties except perhaps the fish!

[Marta Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book!! Really nice, kid's perspective.