#blogbookaday: Hooked

Summary:  “A boy and his dad discover all they have in common on a fishing trip in Hooked, a sweet picture book about father-son bonding by Tommy Greenwald with illustrations by David McPhail.
Joe loves fishing. He loves watching the water and looking at the sky, he loves the peacefulness, and he especially loves dreaming about catching the Big One.

Joe’s dad does not love fishing. He doesn’t like the waiting, or the worms, or the fact that nothing much happens.
But when Joe needs a parental chaperone for an ice-fishing field trip, his dad agrees to go along. And when the waiting turns into talking, exchanging jokes, and sharing hot chocolate, Joe’s dad discovers something unexpected.
He doesn’t just like fishing with Joe―he loves it. You could even say he’s hooked.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: Joe loved fishing, but his dad did not. When Joe needs a chaperone for an ice fishing trip, he’s able to finally convince his dad to come with him just this once. Soon, the two begin talking and sharing and even though they don’t catch a fish, they catch something even better – a hobby they both love to share.

Personal Reaction: I was surprised at how much Joe’s father refused to participate in something his son loved to do, until he finally agreed to give it a chance. This is a great lesson for kids – try new things with an open mind, you never know when you might find something you love. David McPhail’s illustrations have an old-fashioned feel that give his story staying power, but I wonder if kids are not going to be as excited to pick it up with the muted colors and old-fashioned, quiet storyline. But on the other hand, I can see this being the perfect story for Father’s Day this weekend!

Title: Hooked
Author: Tommy Greenwald
Illustrator: David McPhail
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: January 9, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!