Book Title: I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today
Author: Leslie Eva Tayloe
Illustrator: Austin Macauley Publishing Team
Publisher & Year: Austin Macauley, 2022
Intended Age: 4-8 years
Topic/Themes: Fishing, Independence, Grandparents
Opening Line: “I want to hook a BIG fish, Pop-Pop!” Rosie said.
Synopsis:
I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today tells the story of
Rosie. who is spending an enjoyable day with her grandfather fishing. But, Pop-Pop is doing everything. Rosie wants to “…hold HER own fishing pole. Bait HER own hook. Cast HER own line. CATCH HER OWN BIG FISH!
Resourceful Rosie finds a way to take matters into her own hands and is rewarded with not only a big fish but a day with Pop-Pop that she’ll never forget.
What I love about this book:
I love I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today because it’s a warm-hearted book about the joys of fishing and spending time with those special people in our lives.
Who doesn’t remember, as a child, wanting to do something all by yourself intead of just watching someone else have all the fun. Rosie, respectful and resourceful, finds a way to get a fishing rod into her own hands and catch a fish all by herself.
I love the comfort found in this story, from peanut butter and banana sandwiches to the loving relationship between Rosie and her Pop-Pop.
What a lovely book to share with future anglers or a special grandchild!
Activities/Resources:
Before Reading:
Look at the book cover or view the
book trailer and complete a See/Think/Wonder activity.
What does the phrase, “going fishing,” mean to you?
Describe your experiences with participating in enjoyable experiences with family members and/or friends.
During Reading:
Allow children ample time to study the illustrations.
After Reading:
How would you describe Pop-Pop?
Give evidence from the text to support your claim.
Reflections on this Book: I really love the focus on a grandchild and grandfather spending quality time together in nature. It reminds me that, truly, in life it is the simple things that mean the most.
Chatting with Author Leslie Eva Tayloe
Mona: Leslie, I love your book! Can you share what inspired it?
Leslie: I learned how to fish later on in life with my partner, Michael. He used to be a bass pro fisherman at. He earned trophies, etc. So, fishing is a big part of our lives. We have a large, fully stocked pond on our property and we all have fun fishing. I tell the story about our grandson fishing and Michael doing everything for him, and he made the comment why couldn’t he fish by himself. It was a funny situation. I enjoy fishing. Michael’s idea of fishing is going out on the Rappahannock River at 7:00am and coming back at 7:00pm. My idea of fishing is going out about 9:00 am, stopping for lunch around noon at Tim’s III restaurant on the water, and then going home after! I learn every time I go fishing about how to bait, cast, and reel. The only thing I can’t do…. is clean the fish!
Mona: What a lovely connection this book has to your husband and grandson! Fishing on your pond, whether for a whole or half day, sounds idyllic. You impress me with your ever-developing fishing skills. I understand now why your picture book feels so authentic. Where can readers find you and your books?
Leslie: Austin Macauley Publishers is giving a 25% discount on the book until 12/31. Use discount code AUTHOR 1022 and use the link below: https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/i%E2%80%99m-fishing-pop-pop-today
Or, you may purchase my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Follow me on social media and my website:
Twitter: LeslieTayloe
Instagram: leslieevatayloe
Mona: What’s next in your writing journey, Leslie?
Leslie: My second book, Save the Trees, will be released by Brandylane/Belle Isle Books in June 2023.
Mona: I’ll be looking forward to reading that! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your book with us!
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books.
I purchased this book as part of the Kidlit At Heart initiative, where authors come together to support literacy and other authors.
Thanks for stopping by! Are you working on a project inspired by real life? Let me know in the comments.
One Response
Good for Rosie for asserting herself!