Gone Fishing: A novel
Sam can’t wait to go fishing with his father, until his little sister, Lucy, worms her way into their trip. Told in engaging verse that’s just the right depth and length for chapter-book readers, Wissinger’s novel artfully captures both the thrill of the catch and the aggravation of younger siblings (especially when they’re catching more fish). Loosely drawn black-and-white sketches highlight Sam’s moods, including his eventual excitement as he finally manages to reel in the big one. Wissinger identifies each poem format, from haiku, ode, and double dactyl to blues poem, counting poem, and list poem, and even includes poems told in multiple voices. The author extends the fishing metaphor with an appended “Poet’s Tackle Box,” which explains how rhyme and rhythm work as well as such poetry “bait” as alliteration, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia. She also describes each poem format used and provides a bibliography of additional poetry resources. A solid, entertaining story to hook children on poetry. Grades 1-4. --Angela Leeper