Sunday, October 4, 2009

Walking Catfish

Wally is a walking catfish. Even though they are known for "walking on land," they really wiggle and can use their fins to assist with movement. Walking catfish can live out of the water for several days as long as they stay moist. They can use their tails so vigorously that they hop like a one-legged frog!
-Wally the Walking Catfish Meets Madison and Cooper
Lamit, Gary.
Wally the Walking Fish Meets Madison and Cooper.
August 2009.
Walking Fish Books.


Summary from Back Jacket Cover of Book:

Get ready for fun and laughter as three very unusual friends seek adventure, in education Gary Lamit's Wally the Walking Fish Meets Madison and Cooper. Madison is a pig-tailed little girl and one day, she and her huge, hungry, yellow lab named Cooper discover a marvel at the local pond: a walking fish! They've never heard of a walking fish, but even more wonderful, this critter is also a talking fish whose name is Wally! As the group explores their pond, dunes, and forest they all begin to understand the world around them a little better.

Wise and whimsical, Wally the Walking Fish Meets Madison and Cooper promotes the value of friendship as these very diverse chums wander about having their adventures. Children will love the lively illustrations, and the hilariously funny dog, which grumbles about his appetite through the whole journey. Parents will appreciate the fun animal facts sprinkled throughout the text. Beautifully illustrated and great fun to read, Wally the Walking Fish Meets Madison and Coopers is as entertaining as it is educational. This lively book is sure to be a favorite in any home or school library for years to come.


Okay, so really, that second paragraph, taken directly from the back jacket cover of the book - it really says it all! I loved the story and the little facts hidden within the pages, that will keep children learning while they're on a fun reading adventure. For a paperback edition, the price does seem a bit high, but I assure you, it's worth every penny (and then some).

Activity to Use in Collaboration with this book:
  • If your child(ren) love fishing (a great family activity that's relatively cheap once you initially purchase the fishing poles), purchase this book as a gift or borrow a copy from the local library (if available). Read the book with your child(ren). Plan a picnic lunch and set aside a day for fishing. Along with Wally the Walking Fish Meets Madison and Cooper, purchase the companion books put out by Lamit, Fishing Journal and/or My Fishing Journal. With two of these three books, your family fishing adventures will be chronicled for a lifetime of memories, as the fishing journals provide space for all the details of the fishing trip as well as a picture and caption to go along!
It may seem a bit pricey, but can you really put a price on family memories? I can also guarantee it will be less costly than a family vacation, but the memories will be there just the same!

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

0 comments: