Hooked
on Goodreads (170)
What’s inside...
Joe loves fishing and dreams of catching the Big One. His dad, however, dislikes fishing due to the waiting and lack of activity. When Joe needs a chaperone for an ice-fishing field trip, his dad reluctantly agrees to join. During the trip, as they talk, joke, and share hot chocolate, Joe's dad realizes he enjoys spending time fishing with his son and discovers a newfound love for the activity. They both realize they have a lot more in common than they thought. A boy and his dad discover all they have in common on a fishing trip in Hooked, a sweet picture book about father-son bonding by Tommy Greenwald with illustrations by David McPhail. Joe loves fishing. He loves watching the water and looking at the sky, he loves the peacefulness, and he especially loves dreaming about catching the Big One. Joe's dad does not love fishing. He doesn't like the waiting, or the worms, or the fact that nothing much happens. But when Joe needs a parental chaperone for an ice-fishing field trip, his dad agrees to go along. And when the waiting turns into talking, exchanging jokes, and sharing hot chocolate, Joe's dad discovers something unexpected. He doesn't just like fishing with Joe--he loves it. You could even say he's hooked.
Age
4-6
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's passion for fishing? Can you relate it to any of your hobbies?
How did the characters in the book handle challenges or setbacks? What can we learn from that?
The story talks about friendship and support. What does being a good friend mean to you?
What was your favorite part of the book, and why did it stand out to you?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses and share your own thoughts to create a reciprocal dialogue.
Link discussions to real-life situations or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to think critically about the story by asking them how they might have handled situations differently than the characters.
Praise your child for their ideas and insights to boost their confidence and encourage further discussion.
Consider re-reading certain parts of the book together if your child shows particular interest in a theme or character, to deepen understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance.
Explanation: In 'Hooked,' the protagonist faces various challenges but continues to strive towards their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in their own lives, whether it's learning a new skill or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty.
Explanation: The story highlights occasions where characters must choose to be truthful, reinforcing the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the significance of being honest with friends and family in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others.
Explanation: Characters in 'Hooked' learn to understand and empathize with each other's feelings and situations, fostering a sense of compassion.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others around them.
Example Lesson: The impact of teamwork.
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters achieve more when they work together, showing the benefits of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Accepting differences.
Explanation: The book features diverse characters who learn to accept and celebrate their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect diversity among their peers, which is crucial in today's global society.