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Author: Brian ‘Fox’ Ellis Illustrator: Michael S. Maydak
Retail Price: Paperback • $8.95 Storyteller Brian ‘Fox’ Ellis draws from his memories of fishing with his father to tell this true tale of a fish, a frog, a dragonfly, a mosquito, and Fox himself – “like invisible strands in a spider’s web, there was something on that lake that bound us together.” This true tale helped mold Fox’s life-long connection with nature, and is a wonderful example of entertainment that educates. Fox, now a professional storyteller, here retells the story in a way that gently challenges readers to rethink their place in the web of life. Fox was once a camp counselor where the kids were complaining of mosquitoes. But they liked to fish – and Fox helped them see the connection as he explains in How the Story Came to Be. |
- Izaak Walton League Book of the Year
— Wendy Ziegler – Environmental Educator & Reviewer (January 2008)
Imagine a conversation between a boy and his father about fishing and all the wonders that this experience might convey, and you will have this perfectly delightful and educational story. The young narrator weaves a fascinating tale of how he learned about the ecosystems surrounding ponds while fishing with his dad. Nature lovers will enjoy the easy transitions showing the value of all the creatures from mosquitoes to frogs to fish, with the dragonfly in center stage. The boy’s father gently explains the roles of the animals in the web, including how humans interact within this particular ecosystem. As he listens to his dad’s explanations, the boy expresses his sense of wonder and then understanding of how nature works. The language of the story is colorful and flows in the manner of a storyteller. The pictures are captivating and add to further understanding of nature. The end of the book includes “A Day on Dragonfly Pond,” with additional factual information and some simple things kids could do to further explore animals and nature. This would make a great addition to a primary collection of read-aloud science books about the fragile relationships in a pond ecosystem. It will become a favorite.
— Library Media Connection – Janie E. Stokes (January 2007)
In this autobiographical story, the author tells of a day spent fishing with his dad and learning about the web of life. The story begins with Ellis himself falling prey to mosquitos, and proceeds up the trophic ladder to a dragonfly, a frog and, finally, the black bass that father and son take home for dinner. Maydak’s colorful and realistic illustrations enhance the message that all of life is bound together.
— Green Teacher (Summer 2008)
