Higgins Bend Song and Dance
Grade 1-4.  Pure pleasure for any who are or know dedicated (obsessed) fishermen. Simon Henry, the quintessential angler, meets his match in Oscar, a catfish known for stealing almost any bait without getting caught. While buying fishhooks at Potato Kelly's Bait and Chowder Shop, Simon Henry vows to catch the wily beast, or engage his solemn self in a number of foolish consequences. His friend Potato Kelly urges him on with promises of new boots and more if he is successful. After several failures, the fisherman uses his truly "sour" socks as bait, but it's hard to say if he catches Oscar or if Oscar catches him. Sneed's bucolic watercolor spreads, awash with blues and greens, are ably coupled with Martin's pleasing text. The characters are crafted with warmth and humor; Simon Henry's no-nonsense scowling face and the twinkle in Potato Kelly's eye should not be missed. Not for beginning readers to tackle alone, but easy enough for those with some experience, this whopper of a fish tale also makes a good read-aloud.?Jody McCoy, Lakehill Preparatory School, Dallas,Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.