Fishing for Methuselah [Hardcover]

Roger Roth (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

In this hilarious story of good-natured rivalry and ice fishing, Ivan and Olaf are two best friends whose urge to compete with each other is matched only by their desire to catch the biggest fish in all of Moosehead Lake -- the legendary Methuselah. But Methuselah isn't just the biggest fish in Moosehead Lake, he's also the smartest, and when Ivan and Olaf take their one-upmanship too far, he decides it's time the bickering buddies were taught a lesson. The slapstick comedy and droll exaggeration of both the text and the superb watercolors are sure to reel in fans young and old!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Roth's (The Sign Painter's Dream) tall fish tale set in the north country, the prize goes not for the mythical creature's capture, but for the truce it brings about between two bickering buddies. Two burly woodsmen, Ivan and Olaf, have been best friends "since they were no bigger than bear cubs." Yet theirs is a friendship with a competitive edge: each tries to best the other in all pursuits, from arm wrestling to wood chopping to, of course, ice fishing. Their incessant squabbling comes to a head at the annual Winter Carnival's fishing contest on frozen Moosehead Lake, where both are determined to catch the enormous, elusive fish Methuselah. In their quest, the two venture out far past the other fishermen, onto perilously thin ice. The gargantuan fish decides to teach the headstrong pals a lesson, which leads the pair to realize the folly of their ways. Roth's folksy, in spots humorous, art ably depicts both the frosty setting and the warmth underlying the companions' gruff demeanor. However, some wordy prose ("Going that far from shore was considered much too dangerous. The ice was very thin, and some patches of the lake weren't frozen over at all!") ultimately makes this tall tale a bit short on pizzazz. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Rather like a scene from the film Grumpy Old Men, this title is a fish story in the truest sense of the word. Ivan and Olaf have spent their lives arguing with and competing against one another, and their participation in the Winter Carnival's ice fishing competition is no exception. Both plan to catch the biggest fish in the lake according to legend, but Methuselah has other plans. It causes the men's icy fishing spot to break off, and the two have to join forces to save themselves. Seeing them finally cooperate, the wily fish carries them safely to shore, where the duo later win first prize for their ice-sculpture tribute to Methuselah, declaring themselves to be "Best Friends." Despite its somewhat predictable ending, this is a fast-paced, upbeat story that is sure to provoke giggles from young listeners. Both the quarrelsome men and the cunning Methuselah are delightful characters, and it's fun to see the fish get the better of them. Of course, the theme of the benefits of cooperation is nothing new, but the message bears repeating, especially to primary-aged children learning the ways of socialization. The craypas-and-watercolor illustrations clearly delineate the wintry feel of the North Country, and their playful tone is a perfect complement to the humorous text. An entertaining read-aloud that will enliven storyhours.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (September 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060275928
• ISBN-13: 978-0060275921
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,607,161 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, Great lesson, Great illustrations!, March 11, 2003

By 

T. Reinhardt "olivia lee" (east coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fishing for Methuselah (Hardcover)

This is one of my son's overall favorite books. He's now 11 and way past this reading level but still likes to re-read it from time to time. Its the story of 2 very comptitive friends (ivan and olaf) who try to *best* eachother at every opportunity.

The winter fair is the perfect time for them...to try and out do eachother. They try and catch the ledgendary fish Methuselia and in doing so have a crisis... which has a womderful resoltion... and so cements their friendship.

Ultimately they work together on a winter fair project and win. Both the contest... and win because they have learned to be friends without the constant bickering and competition. Its really a wonderful story and the illustrations are amazing. Colorful, beautiful... discriptive in themselves. Perfect

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, March 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fishing for Methuselah (Hardcover)

Kids love this book! I've read this story to boys and girls age 4-12. They laugh right out loud when Olaf says to Ivan, "You couldn't catch that big dumb fish if it jumped out and kissed 'ya!"

Well written, beautiful, fun illustrations, and good moral about friendship and working together.

I highly recommend it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING!, February 9, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Iron Mountain, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fishing for Methuselah (Hardcover)

I have been reading this story to 1st - 5th graders from 12 elementary schools. The kids are wide-eyed and engaged as the story unfolds. They laugh right out loud when Olaf tells Ivan, "You couldn't catch that big dumb fish if it jumped out and kissed 'ya!" Great illustrations!!.! I have purchased 35 copies as gifts to school libraries and prizes for a "Write a Fish Tale" contest that this book has inspired. I highly recommend it