Down by the River: A Family Fly Fishing Story
What’s inside...
One beautiful autumn day, Art sets out with his mother and grandfather for a fishing trip. Fishing days are Art’s favorite. He loves learning the ropes from Grandpa—the different kinds of flies and tackle and the trout that frequent their favorite river. Art especially appreciates Grandpa’s stories. But, this time, hearing the story about Mom’s big catch on her first cast ever makes Art feel insecure about his own fishing skills. But, as Art hooks a beautiful brown trout, he finds reassurance in Grandpa’s stories and marvels in the sport and a day spent with family, promising to continue the tradition with his own grandkids generations later. Illustrated with lush imagery by rising star April Chu, Down by the River celebrates fishing, family, and fun.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes fly fishing a special activity for the family in the story?
How do you feel about the relationship between Art and his grandfather? What makes it special?
Can you describe how the river environment is portrayed in the book? What details stood out to you?
What lessons do you think Art learned during his fly fishing adventure?
If you could add another scene to the story, what would it involve and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ interactions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of family traditions and hobbies. Relate them to your own family’s activities to make the conversation more personal and engaging.
Highlight the descriptions of the natural setting and ask your child to imagine or draw what they think the river looks like, enhancing their connection to the story through creative expression.
Emphasize the learning aspects within the story, such as patience and perseverance, and discuss how these values can be applied in your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: The process of learning to fly fish depicted in the book teaches the value of patience and the importance of persistent effort to achieve a goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles to their academic studies or while learning any new skill, understanding that mastery takes time and consistent effort.
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonding
Explanation: The story centers around a family spending time together and sharing experiences, emphasizing the significance of family relationships and togetherness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and prioritize time with family, whether it's during meals, special outings, or engaging in hobbies collectively.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The setting and activities in the book highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world, teaching kids to appreciate and care for their environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, conserving water, and participating in clean-up drives.
Example Lesson: Learning from elders
Explanation: The young protagonist learns fly fishing through guidance from an elder, showcasing how knowledge and traditions are passed down through generations.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom from parents, grandparents, and other elders, respecting their experience and learning from their teachings.