This was a wonderful story with beautiful, emotional illustrations that helped my 4.5 yo follow what was happening even if she didn't understand all the words and concepts. She wanted to read it again and talk about it afterwards. Just so parents know, the book discusses war and the death of the father's sibling many years ago.

Week 18

In this touching, award-winning, autobiographical picture book, author Bao Phi, who immigrated as an infant to the US from Vietnam, describes a single day from his childhood going fishing with his father. Through a simple narrative, the two of them arise before dawn, purchase bait, land a few crappies and return home to mother, and all the while the reader gleans clues about what their lives as newcomers are like.

As an adult, I'd like to know more about the author. Let's hope the author and illustrator decide to collaborate on a graphic novel for older readers!

P.S. Do not miss the author and illustrator notes at the end of the book!

This book took my breath away. The illustrations are gorgeous, and with the format, it almost feels like a graphic novel. The text is simple, but solemn and has a quiet peacefulness to it. I loved this one. One of my favorites from this year!

This might be my favorite book of the year. The story is simple on the surface: a boy and his father go fishing. But it's more than that, too. It's about parents working hard and making sacrifices for their children. It's about holding onto memories. It's about growing up. Love it.

A noteworthy book, both in text and illustration, in which we see a small piece of the Vietnamese American immigrant experience from one boy's perspective. Ages 5-8