A Salmon for Simon

by Betty Waterton, Ann Blades (Illustrator)

Simon, a Native American boy, has been trying all summer to catch a salmon. But when he gets his chance, Simon no longer wants to keep it--it's too strong and beautiful! Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Canada, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with strong message that it’s best to love and be kind to all creatures on earth.

[Whole And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon wants nothing more than to catch a Salmon while fishing.

He is great a crab catching but has great difficulty catching salmon. Until, one falls from the sky, literally, into his crab whole full of water.

Simon is face to face with the absolute beauty of the Coho Silver Salmon and while captivated by it's sheer grace, has a complete change of heart.

"I wont let you die" states Simon and helps the salmon back to the deep endless sea instead of taking it home for supper. Simon finds happiness where he did not expect and decides that although he will fish again it will never be for salmon.

We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and the rich vocabulary throughout the story. I loved conveying one of the messages in the book to my daughter, that sometimes what we think we want isn't it, when we have it.

"A Salmon for Simon" is truly deserving of the awards received.

[Jessica Deboer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the turn the book took towards releasing the salmon instead of catching and eating it, but was not surprised when the copyright date was 1978. Not to stereotype, but the book definitely felt very 1970s "love all creatures" type of mentality. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I wish I could find more modern books for my students with the same ideals. I want my students to appreciate the environment, but it is difficult for them to relate to a boy living in a rural Canadian community.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young First Nations boy spends all summer fishing for salmon - only to unexpectedly catch one.

Overall the story is too long and a little twee for my liking.

[Thomas Helean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great representation of friendship and Simon's relationship with the 'Sukai' or Salmon. It was inspiring how badly he wanted to catch a salmon and when the opportunity is literally dropped into his pond, he decides to show compassion and help his new friend. However, I do wish the book would've told us what he was fishing for at the end.

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, quick picture book about a boy who dreams of catching a salmon. When it finally happens, he rethinks his ideas as he recognizes the majesty of the salmon.

[Patrice]

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