by David Shannon
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by Jill Esbaum
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by Roger Roth
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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.
See all Editorial Reviews
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.
See all Editorial Reviews
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