Fishing is Fun!


Children - Picture Book
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/17/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Fishing is Fun! by Steve Fowler is a playful and clever picture book about a father and son on a fishing trip. In a surprise twist, while they snag items, none of them is a fish. Instead, their bounty includes a parade of silly, unexpected finds, including forks, feathers, frogs, and more. As time goes on, the father notices a pattern that links all their “catches.” He asks his son, and they work together to solve the mystery, combining humor with a touch of learning. Did they finally reel in a fish, or did they discover something even more enjoyable? The story cheerfully introduces children to letter sounds and themes of curiosity, problem-solving, and enjoying time together, all while maintaining a happy tone.

F is for fantastic, and that’s exactly what Fishing is Fun by Steve Fowler is. The way this tale approaches fishing is both clever and ironic. Speaking as an educator, I think children will be able to spot the pattern the father points out with ease. I especially like how it reinforces letter sounds in an engaging, memorable way, making it great for phonics practice. I also think it could spark discussions on what else students might discover when pulling up their rod, or sorting the items into edible, animal, or object categories. It could be extended with activities like drawing their own “catches,” or creating a class fishing game with paper cutouts. Klaire Gieleghem’s colorful illustrations keep the story light and engaging, making it a joy to read aloud. Overall, it’s a creative blend of silliness and learning that will have kids laughing while practicing early literacy skills.

Carol Thompson

Fishing is Fun! by Mr. Steve (Steve Fowler), with illustrations by Klaire Gieleghem, is a charming and funny children's book that takes readers on a whimsical fishing adventure. The story follows a father and son, both represented by the letter "F," as they go on a fishing trip with big hopes of catching fish for lunch. However, their day on the water takes an unexpected turn as they reel in everything but fish: forks, feathers, footballs, frogs, flowers, and fans. Each surprising catch adds to the humor and charm of the story. The book cleverly adds a playful twist to the old pastime of fishing, turning it into a fun exploration of words that start with the letter "F." This subtle educational touch makes the story not only enjoyable but also a useful tool for teaching children about phonics and vocabulary.

The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, perfectly complementing the lighthearted tone of the story. The characters are brought to life with quirky designs, adding personality and charm to the narrative. The colorful and dynamic artwork enhances the visual appeal of the book, making it a joy to flip through. The dialogue between the father and son is simple yet engaging, making it easy for children to follow along. The book concludes on a sweet note, with the father expressing pride in his son’s cleverness and the two sharing a moment of connection. Fishing is Fun! by Mr. Steve is an excellent addition to any child’s bookshelf. The combination of humor, surprise, and learning makes it a memorable read for young audiences. Whether for a bedtime story or a classroom read-aloud, Fowler brings smiles and laughter.

Jefto Pierre

In Fishing is Fun! by Steve Fowler, a father and his young son embark on a fun fishing adventure. They are both full of excitement about what they might catch that day. The son is eager to catch a fish for lunch. He waits with gleeful eyes for his fishing line to reel in his long-awaited prize. Each surprising catch brings loads of joy and laughter—but never a fish, unfortunately. Rather than snagging a fishy treat, silly and quirky objects become attached to the father's and son's fishing rods. For example, they catch a flower, a fan, and even a frog. With every surprising reveal, the little boy's anticipation grows even stronger. His father joins in the amusement with playful words. Soon, they realize that all these objects have one crucial thing in common. Can you and your little ones guess what it is?

Fishing is Fun! by Steve Fowler is an engaging children's book that captures the simple joys of childhood through a fun fishing adventure. The witty conversation between the father and his son feels authentic. It also shows their close bond as they laugh at each new surprising catch. The repetition of their quirky discoveries adds a rhythmic twist to the story, encouraging small readers to join in. The artwork by Klaire Gieleghem plays a significant role in maintaining that positive energy. Her illustrations are colorful and lively, showing the father's and son’s expressions as they pull comical surprises out of the water. Each image adds more humor and excitement to the story than the last, making this treasured reading adventure come alive. I highly recommend getting this book if your child is a beginning reader or loves going on creative fishing adventures.