Fishing with Grandpa and Skye

by Candace Spizzirri, Beverly Love Warren

Days on the lake are a Skye and Grandpa thing. They load up their tackle box, hop aboard their skiff, and chug out to their favorite fishing spot. Today, the sun is shining, the fish are jumping, but will Skye hook a big one?

FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE explores the rewards of patience and celebrates the love between generations.

Genres: Picture Books

36 pages, Hardcover

Published April 19, 2022

About the author

Candace Spizzirri grew up in a small town in New Jersey with tree-lined streets and old Victorian houses. As a child, she spent hours playing at the park, catching minnows in a nearby stream, and exploring the woods at the end of her street.

Passionate about education, Candace is a co-founder of an elementary school and high school in Southern California. She now splits her time between SoCal and Pennsylvania. Candace loves spending time with her husband, grown children, daughter-in-law, and five grandkids.

Candace's debut picture book, FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE, illustrated by Beverly Love Warren published with Clear Fork Publishing/Spork on April 19, 2022. Her second book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE, illustrated by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne released on April 18, 2023, with Gnome Road Publishing.

Learn more about Candace at candacespizzirri.com and follow her on Twitter at @CCSpizzirri1 and on Instagram at @CCSpizzirri.

Reviews

[Jocelyn Watkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that preserves the memory of the author's grandfather and special days spent fishing! This story will tug at your heartstrings as it's based on a real story, including the song! Lovely illustrations capture capture perfect days on the lake with family.

[Marci Tomassone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Fishing with Grandpa and Skye is a beautifully written and illustrated story of family and the traditions we hold dear. When my grandchildren and I read this, it opens the door to conversations about our memories, how important time spent together is and the new adventures we’ll share. Candace Spizzirri has captured a heartwarming memory and allowed us to be part of the joy it brought her.

[Anita Crawford Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is so endearing about this story is that it will appeal to anyone who holds cherished memories of a grandparent, and perhaps those who did not experience this special relationship will also feel a sense of joy and hope for a opportunity where they can create such a relationship with a older person. Candace weaves in so many wonderful tidbits surrounding the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, the emotions, the trials, the compassion, the passing down of traditions and newly formed ones. The illustrations add more warmth and connection to this story and it’s characters for the reader. The author note and photos offer insight about the author’s passion to share this story. A story to treasure and read again and again.

[Cindy Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inter-generational story is sure to tug at your heartstrings. The comfortable relationship between Granpa and Skye is an example of love and making memories that will last forever. This beautiful book will foster discussions of tradition, support, and building connections. A must read!

[Rinda Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love fishing with someone special, this book is perfect for you! It’s Grandpa and Skye day, and they’re going fishing. The sweet and salty text and illustrations are perfect for this fish-tale. Grandparents and kids will love the catch-of-the-day! The best part . . . it’s based on the author’s time fishing with her Grandpa Henry.

[Renée LaTulippe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye is excited to go fishing with Grandpa during their special time together, but when one fish gets away and the other turns out to be algae, frustration quickly sets in. Luckily, Grandpa is there to help her work through it with calming words and a touching gift passed down from Great-Grandma. Written in lyrical prose that puts the reader in the gently rocking skiff, Spizzirri spins a gentle intergenerational story about patience, perseverance, and tradition, ably supported by Warren’s realistic illustrations. I loved learning from the author’s note that this is an autobiographical story, and the addition of photos of the real Grandpa and the author as a young girl are a sweet touch.

[Elizabeth Bedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This multigenerational story will tug at the heartstrings! Skye loves nothing more than spending the day fishing with her grandpa. Spizzirri’s accessible and kid-friendly text paired with Warren’s nostalgic illustrations invites the reader to savor those special moments we share with the ones we love. The unique bond and timeless traditions that are shared between grandchildren and their grandparents shines in page after page. The author’s note makes this story all the more special as Spizzirri points out FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE is an ode to the author’s own wonderful fishing tradition she shared with her grandpa. It is the perfect read-together story to be shared again and again!

[Lisa Riddiough · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely and heartwarming book! This intergenerational picture book tells the story of Skye and her grandfather as they go out on the lake to fish. The sweet interactions between grandfather and granddaughter, including their signature line, "Now we wait!" put the reader right there on the lake. Skye names each fish and sings it a delightful song before releasing it back into the water, while grandfather encourages her. A wonderful story to connect kids to special moments with the beloved people in their lives - especially grandparents!

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad took me fishing all the time when I was a kid, and I love the memories I have of my father fishing with my kids. Candace Spizzirri's book brought these memories back. This beautiful book is filled with lyrical writing and sensory descriptions: the bobbing of the boat, the whirring of the engine, the sunlight on their skin, and the tugging of the line. I love the repetition of "Now we wait" and the feeling of togetherness and patience that accompanies fishing trips. The catch-and-release song near the end is wonderful as well. I appreciated that no fish were harmed in the telling of this story. :) Candace's note at the end informs us that this is a true story based on her own experiences with her grandfather, and that made the story even more special to me. Beverly Love Warren's beautiful illustrations add a lovely layer to the story--I especially love the gorgeous water scenes she's created. Highly recommended for families, libraries, and classrooms!

[Laurel Morello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful and heartwarming….
I love love love the authors notes shining the light on her own treasured experiences.
Her style is playful but with integrity as she plays out the engaging relationship of grandfather and granddaughter. The quietness of patience is clearly depicted and adds an inner strength to the young Skye. So worth sharing with all the grandparents that are now so abundant in my life as it conjures up how some of our most endearing moments are life’s greatest lessons.

[Christopher J · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fishing with Grandpa and Skye” truly is a celebration of family and tradition. This heartwarming story captures the value of patience and making memories between generations. Candace Spizzirri encapsulates her time spent with her Grandpa and brought her perfect fishing day back to life. “Fishing with Grandpa and Skye” will bring nostalgia and inspire you create days like these with your little ones.

[Evelyn Bookless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fishing With Grandpa and Skye is sure to delight young fishing fans as it shows the trials and triumphs of a day fishing. The special relationship between Skype and her grandpa is a delight to see, and will no doubt resonate with many readers. The back matter details the author's personal inspiration for writing this story is a special touch. Beautiful illustrations top off this sweet story.

[Annette Schottenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Spizzirri’s sweet story, FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE, is a heartfelt, intergenerational tale. The themes of patience, respect, and traditions all make this a book to be read over and over again. Beverly Love Warren’s illustrations are beautifully done. A wonderful read!

[Carrie Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about a girl fishing with her grandfather, inspired by the author's memories of fishing as a child. It reminded me of fishing with my own father - a wonderful tale of intergenerational adventures.

[S R · Rating 5 out of 5]

My little one, Jeffy, just loves this book and likes to read it to me.

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye and Grandpa spend fish their day fishing together. This slice of life book makes you feel like you want to be right there with them. Author Candace Spizzirri writes from experience, and the special bond she had with her grandpa is strongly felt. The watercolor illustrations by Beverly Love Warren set the gentle mood. This book nudges you to stop and enjoy the moment. It is a sweet tribute to all loving grandparents.

[Kristin Wauson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautifully illustrated, sweet and heartwarming story of a little girl’s relationship with her grandfather. I used to fish with my grandpa when I was young and the pages of this book brought back many happy memories.

[Sharon Giltrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fishing with Grandpa and Skye is a delightful, lyric and heartfelt story that celebrates important inter-generational family traditions. My favourite page is where Sky and Grandpa are waiting for the fish. A true test of patience. I love that this story is based on true events which are included in the back matter. I hope this book encourages other families to record their family traditions. The beautiful illustrations by Beverly Love Warren match the text perfectly.

[Anita Amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Skye has a hard time catching fish, Grandpa has just the thing to help her not lose hope. A heart-warming book about family, legacy, and patience. I loved that it's also based on the author's childhood memories. A special moment between grandparent and granddaughter captured in this lovely book!

[Julia Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite stories are those rooted in real life and this is that kind of tale. You can sense Skye's joy at spending special time with grandpa -- something the author remembers doing herself. I especially loved the illustration of the girl back-to-back with her grandpa -- exactly how a kid that age would act and this line: "The boat bobbed to and fro, as if nodding a welcome to old friends." Fishing is about waiting, as Skye knows. A great book for girls who love to cast their line. And I really like the message that great-grandma was a fisherwoman, too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful intergenerational story about a little girl and her grandfather both tugs at the heartstrings and delights. Their relationship is heartwarming and fun and readers of all ages will enjoy Skye's attempts to catch a fish and her adorable interactions with Grandpa.

The illustrations are also gorgeous and evocative and put the reader right there on the lake with Grandpa and Skye.

The author's note about her own grandfather adds to the beauty of the story.

[Audrey Day-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, multi-generational book about a grandfather passing on his love of fishing to his granddaughter. It reminds me of fishing with my dad, where he also had o console me after many a cheeky fish stole the bait. It reads like a gentle hug.

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful, intergenerational story will tug at your heart as Skye and Grandpa experience a "Skye and Grandpa thing." You don't have to enjoy fishing to appreciate the family connection that occurs when people sit together, sometimes talking, other times quietly waiting, and always being truly together. The lyrical language of the boat on the water, the fishing line "tug, tug, tug," and the sweet catch and release song set the tone, and the lovely illustrations are perfect. An author's note and family photos adds enrichment to the story. A must read for families, schools, and libraries.

[Carol Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! You don't have to be fisher-person to enjoy this thoughtful exchange between a grandparent and grandchild. The words and artwork mesh together well depicting the passage of quality time together. This book inspires me to do the same...with both my adult children and my grandchildren!

[Andi Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of the love between a grandfather and his granddaughter and the illustrations are beautiful. I related very strongly because I pictured many outings like this with my own father and grandfather, and also my daughter with my dad. If fishing isn't what you do with your family, though, the sentiment holds true for any special time a grandparent and grandchild have together: the patience, tenderness, and love expressed are eternal truths that everyone can understand and enjoy. I think it would make an excellent Father's Day, birthday, Christmas or a just-because-I-love you gift.

[Amber C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children love stories about the natural world and relationships. The tales we tell of our rich and colorful memories of family and childhood connect us firmly to our roots.

In Fishing With Grandpa and Skye, Candace Spizzirri shares a memory of just such a story. A story to enjoy that reflects both a child's place in their world and their interconnectedness to it.

[Margie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fast paced world of schedules and technology; FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE is a refreshing look at how love grows; when time slows.  In the environment of an easy going, un-rushed afternoon with grandpa, Skye develops her patience and tenacity.  This playful example unfolds and highlights the key virtue that waiting and persistence does pay off. 
  Kids aren’t often reminded of that in a world where “instant” is so highly available and prized.   The illustrations are absolutely adorable and match the story well.   I may even go out and get myself a fishing pole to take my grandsons fishing; albeit most likely at the pier, since I don’t have a “Gone Fishing Again” boat of my own ;)    Cuddle up with your littles and share this sweet story…but may I suggest you take your time as you go ;)  

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loved fishing with her dad, this sweet story pulled at my heartstrings. Like Skye, I, too, insisted on releasing back any fish we caught because like Skye it was really the special time spent with a special person that made fishing so special. The love Skye and Grandpa share spills over on every spread and knowing that the events mirror Spizzirri's own experiences with her grandpa make it all the more special. The art is amazing, and I love that Warren's drawings of Skye and Grandpa so closely resemble the photos of Spizzirri and her Grandpa Henry found in the Author's Note. This tender story is a tribute to the special bond that exists between grandparents and grandchildren everywhere!

[KCOB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fishing with Grandpa and Skye is such a sweet story about a young girl and her grandfather spending a day together. The story reminds us to enjoy the little moments we have with the ones we love! This story is great for both girls and boys of all ages. I cannot get enough nor say enough about this book. It is definitely a MUST HAVE for your library!

[Jeff Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fishing with Grandpa and Skye" is a sweet and comforting tale that evokes warm book nostalgia. A richly and softly illustrated book that young and old will enjoy.