K.J. Houtman

Fishing industry veteran, K.J. Houtman, launched the first of the Fish On Kids Books series in August of 2010. The fifth books in the series - "Born to be Wild" will be out November 1st, 2012. At least eight books are planned.

Houtman worked at the American Sportfishing Association in the early 90's and then the next fifteen years with the media company that produces North American Fisherman and North American Hunter magazines, along with their skill-building books, television shows, custom-produced events and web-based connectivity. In addition to writing, Houtman is an accomplished marketer and public speaker.

"This is exactly what we need," shared Mike Nussman, President of the American Sportfishing Association, when asked about Houtman's books. "The outdoor industry has taken a back seat to video games in recent years when it comes to kids engaging in the sport. In fact, many parents today don't understand the value of letting kids enjoy the outdoors."

"I love everything about these books," shared Susan Baumann-Duren, the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) prevention social worker in the Sauk Prairie School District in southern Wisconsin. "We know how important it is to a child's overall health and enjoyment of life to get outdoors. These books embrace that--and the kids love them."

Several schools assign the books in their classrooms, as well as non-profit groups using the books for fundraising, including: National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA), FM Walleyes Unlimited, Minnesota Teen Challenge Fishing Challenge to name a few. The books are a great fit for scouting organizations and school-age fundraising efforts. They are also available for sale at select retailers throughout the upper Midwest, as well as available online.

In June 2012 the books became available as e-books for Kindle, Nook and iPad.