A Cat Named Fish and a Fish Named Cat [Paperback]

H Wayne Thornton (Author), Bing Books Amy Treece (Editor), Wayne Thornton (Illustrator)

Book Description

This is a folktale for children. In the depths of the waters of a backwoods pond lived a large fish known as Cat, and he was a legend ... no one could catch him, although many tried. Not far away lived a big Maine Coon Cat named Fish, and his dream was to do what seemed impossible ... catch Cat. Their meeting and battle was something that both knew would eventually happen, but the end is something that neither could imagine. Here in the land of dragonflies and red-winged blackbirds, both "Fish" and "Cat" are counseled by the wise sage of the woods, She-Crow. The bedrock principle of this tale is learning the right thing to do; and then doing the right thing. The cat learns this lesson well in his ultimate battle with the catfish. It is a story of perseverance against tough odds, never giving up, and learning to change and grow with the experiences of life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I read the pre-commercial sales copy of this book. Thank you! This is one of the most uniquely and creatively told stories for children that I have ever read. I look forward to being able to buy it in a bookstore soon for my daughter. --Allyson Ray, MD

This is a classic story for children. It is well told with unique characters and illustrations; and loaded with fundamental lessons for life. When I was teaching children, I kept a lifetime set of books that I considered a must for sharing with and teaching children. Even though I am now retired, this book would have been and is now one of my classics. --Gwen Crissman, Retired School Teacher

About the Author

A dedicated husband and father, Thornton lives in the high desert of the Sandia Mountain foothills in northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was raised in the oil fields of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. He learned a great deal about the world around him in his jobs, military service, and in time just spent outdoors and in the wilds. From his teenage years on he has worked as a laborer in the railroad yards, cotton fields, on drilling rigs, and in mines underground. During the late 1960s, he served the United States as a sailor aboard a fast attack US Navy Submarine -- the USS Haddock, SSN 621. Thornton has worked for the US Forest Service for over 30 years in various assignments, including wildland firefighter and forest ranger. Education was a priority for Thornton who found time to earn a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees at three different universities in Oregon, Arizona, and Michigan. For 11 years he taught Sunday morning bible study to third and fourth graders in his own unorthodox style. For example, he climbed up on the classroom table and pumped out push ups every time a child recalled a bible verse from memory. At 59 years of age, Thornton has an appreciation for the creation of the natural world. This sentiment has only grown deeper through adventures including 100-mile bicycle rides, wilderness backpacking treks, fishing and kayaking trips on lakes and the Sea of Cortez, and merely watching the wonder of sunrises and sunsets.

Product Details

• Paperback: 10 pages
• Publisher: Bing Books, Sherman, Texas; 1st edition (September 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978825209
• ISBN-13: 978-0978825201
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,496,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A memorial to a friend and co-worker, December 18, 2011

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Paulander - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Cat Named Fish and a Fish Named Cat (Paperback)

The author, Wayne Thornton, is a wonderful storyteller and this short book captures that gift. Wayne passed away after a long battle with cancer just a few years ago.