19 Fishing Books for Kids

Fishing may be a time of patience and solitude or one filled with expectation and enthusiasm. In many families, it is a multigenerational custom. Here are our top fishing books for kids of all ages, which range from tales of fishing with friends and family to stories of fishing alone.

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  1. The Only Fish in the Sea by Philip C. Stead (PreK–2)

Not your typical fishing excursion, a rescue effort to save an abandoned pet goldfish from a lonely existence in the open ocean. In this absurd story, Sadie and Sherman take on the task.

  1. Lana’s World: Let’s Go Fishing by Erica Silverman (PreK–2)

Lana finds a workaround when her family is too busy to join her on a fishing trip, demonstrating that all you need to catch fish is a little resourcefulness.

  1. Hooked by Tommy Greenwald (PreK–3)

At least initially, Joe’s father dislikes fishing, but Joe adores it. This book will start a discussion on whether or not students like fishing and their justifications for doing so.

  1. Jangles: A Big Fish Story by David Shannon (K–3)

Every fisher longs to have a big fish tale to share. Kids will wonder if Jangles is a local legend or a genuine person throughout this story.

  1. Skyfishing by Gideon Sterer (K–3)

After moving in with his family in the city, Grandpa misses his favorite fishing sites. But when he and his granddaughter let their imaginations run wild, they find the most extraordinary possibilities when “sky fishing” from the fire escape.

  1. The Secret of Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton (K–3)

Erin has no clue of the adventure she is in for when she sneaks onto her mother’s fishing vessel, hoping to catch sight of the fabled and enigmatic Black Rock. The colorful visuals and environmental message will delight students.

  1. Fishing with Grandma by Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula (K–3)

Two kids go ice fishing for Arctic char in a lake with their grandma. After hearing about how they employ the traditional Inuit method of jigging rods, students will have many questions.

  1. Hand over Hand by Alma Fullerton (K–3)

Nina is told by everyone in her fishing community that women cannot fish, but her grandfather decides to let her accompany him on his boat nevertheless. After a fruitless day, Nina begins to question if the locals were correct—that is, until she successfully pulls in a large fish by herself using only her hands.

  1. Down by the River: A Family Fly Fishing Story by Andrew Weiner (K–3)

Nothing pleases Art’s mother and grandfather more than getting in their automobile, which has the license plate FI5H ON, and driving to the river to fly-fishing. This tale will inspire kids to put on their waders and cast their first cast since it is full of family tales and big fish hopes.

  1. Freshwater Fishing by Allan Morey (K–3)

This educational literature discusses the fundamentals of fish, gear and techniques, and safety advice. We love the gender-neutral wording and the different images that encourage all youngsters to enjoy fishing.

  1. We’re Going Freshwater Fishing by Andrea Palmer (K–3)

This nonfiction book is another good introduction to fishing, with an entertaining tone and a variety of sections full of information and suggestions.

  1. H is for Hook by Judy Young (K–3)

The popular series’ alphabet book from A to Z includes phrases and advice related to fishing.

  1. Me and You and the Red Canoe by Jean E. Pendziwol (1–4)

Two siblings steal away from their campground in this gentle, tranquil tale to go fishing in the morning. Save this book to your list of writing mentor texts.

  1. A Different Pond by Bao Phi (1–5)

The father talks to the son about fishing when he was a kid in Vietnam as they get up early to go fishing for dinner. This is another lovely tale for teaching comprehension strategies that works well as a writing mentor text.

  1. Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger (2–5)

Sam’s eagerly anticipated fishing excursion with his father—and younger sister Lucy, who has insisted on taking part in her way—is described in various literary genres. The “tackle box” of the illuminating poet is in the back matter.

  1. Incredible—and True—Fishing Stories by Shaun Morey (6–8)

These stories are imaginative bits of fishing, as the title suggests; they’re excellent for drawing in a resistant reader who enjoys fishing.

  1. Father Water, Mother Woods: Essays on Fishing and Hunting in the North Woods by Gary Paulsen (7–9)

Through his artistic descriptions and captivating narrative, Paulsen demonstrates how outdoor activities may result in some of life’s most critical lessons—and enjoyment, of course.

  1. Swim That Rock by John Rocco (7–9)

Teenage Jake must take responsibility for his family because his father is missing following a fishing boat disaster. Students will be drawn in by the characters in this book about growing up in a New England fishing village.

  1. Between Two Skies by Joanne O’Sullivan (7–9)

Nothing would be more enjoyable for Evangeline than to take her boat out on the bayou. But everything changes in this memorable tale as Hurricane Katrina decimates her tiny fishing community.

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