Customer Reviews

The Cod's Tale

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's hard to believe that anyone could write an interesting and informative book detailing the life and history of the cod fish, or more to the point, that it could hold your interest, but that's exactly what Mark Kurlansky has done. His fascinating and engaging narrative, based on his adult book, Cod: A Biography Of The Fish That Changed The World, explores this once plentiful fish's place in history, from the Vikings, Basques, and European explorers, to Colonial America, the slave trade, American Revolution, and the technological inventions of the twentieth century that changed fishing and processing forever. Written in an easy to read, conversational style, Mr Kurlansky's intriguing story is part biology, part history, part sociology, and is chock full of interesting fun facts, trivia, humorous anecdotes, maps, recipes, and a marvelous time line that runs through the entire book and puts all this information in perspective. S.D. Schindler's bright, bold, and charming artwork is clever and entertaining, and kids will enjoy poring over the busy illustrations, and finding all the wonderful, special details. Perfect for youngsters 8 and older, The Cod's Tale takes you on a whirlwind adventure, and a very unique thousand year journey with a most unromantic, though endearing fish. This is non-fiction for kids at its very best, and a book that definitely shouldn't be missed.

As a homeschool mom I can't say enough about this book. What a wonderful surprise to find a book connecting human history to one single species of fish in a remarkably entertaining way. Ecology and history so intertwined it illustrates how we are all connected in a balanced web of life! Bravo to Mark Kurlansky, I will be looking for more of his works after this first introduction!

I have spent the last several months reading books about the Age of Exploration to my eight year old son. "The Cod's Tale" fits nicely into our studies. When studying history, it is very easy to forget the economic underpinnings that drive World History. Without the abundant Cod fish, the economic development of the United States would have happened a lot slower pace. "The Cod's Tale" does a great job of introducing young children to the importance of economics in driving history. Highly recommended.

Our young children ask for this book again and again. The intersection of humans and Cod may seem, well, less than compelling but actually this extraordinary book makes for great family reading and discussion. Like Kurlansky's The Story of Salt, we give it four thumbs up!

This book is only 45 pages long. Yes 45 pages with not many words and more importantly not much to say.
It is in an odd children book format that makes it difficult to even find a place to put it on the shelf.
This is a book you would want to just have a look at while you are visiting a real book store like Borders. It would take you just a few minutes to get through the entire thing.
NOT WORTH BUYING~ Nothing New Here.