Catching a Storyfish

catching-a-storyfishWritten by Janice N. Harrington


I could not put this book down. This story, told through poems, hugs the reader as they listen to Keet’s voice. If you are quiet and listen hard with your inside ear, you will find the storyfish and be taken on an emotional journey.

Keet loves to talk and tell stories to her friends and family members. However, one day her family moves to a new city where Keet is teased for her Alabama accent. As a result, Keet becomes quiet and reserved. Her grandpa notices this change and decides to use their weekly fishing trips to teach her how life is like catching a fish. It requires patience and knowing when to act. Later in the story, Keet befriends Allegra who is teased for her alligator smile. To ease her friend Keet tells her that “alligators are quick and strong. [I] like alligators.” By the end of the story, Keet learns to love her voice because “it is a map of all the places [she has] been and all the talking’ [she has] heard.”

Each poem is unique and has a childlike quality. For instance, the poem “Math Class” is about how numbers get jumbled together in Keet’s brain and is illustrated throughout the poem with numbers being randomly tossed between letters. In addition, the book can be used to teach children how to write a handful of poems. This book will capture the heart of the reader because we are all on a journey of learning to love our unique selves.

Review by LeeAnne Neilson, Academy Park Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: 2nd grade-7th grade

Catching a Storyfish
Written by Janice N. Harrington
Wordsong, an imprint of Highlights
223 pages
Release Date: September 20, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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