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Hooked
A boy and his dad discover all they have in common on a fishing trip in Hooked, a sweet picture book about father-son bonding by Tommy Greenwald with illustrations by David McPhail. Joe loves fishing. He loves watching the water and looking at the sky, he loves the peacefulness, and he especially loves dreaming about catching the Big One. Joe's dad does not love fishing. He doesn't like the waiting, or the worms, or the fact that nothing much happens. But when Joe needs a parental chaperone for an ice-fishing field trip, his dad agrees to go along. And when the waiting turns into talking, exchanging jokes, and sharing hot chocolate, Joe's dad discovers something unexpected. He doesn't just like fishing with Joe--he loves it. You could even say he's hooked.
30 pages, Hardcover
Published January 9, 2018
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Tommy Greenwald
43 books188 followersTommy Greenwald's book GAME CHANGER has been named an Amazon Best Book Of The Month, a 2019 YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Junior Library Guild Premier Selection. Tommy is also the author of the CRIMEBITERS, CHARLIE JOE JACKSON and PROJECT Z series, among many other books for children.
Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.
To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)
Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.
To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 22, 2019
Although young Joe loves fishing, his father is not enthusiastic about it, forcing the boy to seek companionship elsewhere, through his town's fishing club. When the club plans an ice-fishing trip, and each attendee must have a parent with him, Joe's father grudgingly agrees to go along. Much to everyone's surprise, the good companionship of the experience, the ways in which Joe and his father bond while fishing together, changes the father's mind. Soon he is accompanying Joe on all of his fishing trips, having become well and truly hooked...
Although I see that some online reviewers were disturbed by the fact that Joe's father wasn't willing to go fishing at first, no doubt interpreting that as some sort of rejection, or dereliction of fatherly duty, I actually appreciated that aspect of the story. Sometimes parents aren't that enthusiastic about their children's interests, and I thought it was an interesting storytelling choice, to focus on the way the father changed his mind. Usually in children's stories it's the other way around, with a narrative that encourages young people to try new things. Tommy Greenwald's story in Hooked however, encourages children to examine such things from an adult's perspective, highlighting the ideas that it isn't just children who resist new things, and that parents sometimes have different tastes and inclination from their children. This makes the conclusion, in which Joe's dad changes his mind, all the sweeter. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging, ultimately heartwarming father-son picture-books.
Although I see that some online reviewers were disturbed by the fact that Joe's father wasn't willing to go fishing at first, no doubt interpreting that as some sort of rejection, or dereliction of fatherly duty, I actually appreciated that aspect of the story. Sometimes parents aren't that enthusiastic about their children's interests, and I thought it was an interesting storytelling choice, to focus on the way the father changed his mind. Usually in children's stories it's the other way around, with a narrative that encourages young people to try new things. Tommy Greenwald's story in Hooked however, encourages children to examine such things from an adult's perspective, highlighting the ideas that it isn't just children who resist new things, and that parents sometimes have different tastes and inclination from their children. This makes the conclusion, in which Joe's dad changes his mind, all the sweeter. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging, ultimately heartwarming father-son picture-books.
March 24, 2018
Oh, so softly-colored illustrations lend a sentimental note to a sweetly told story about father and son who seem to have little in common and might have lost their way. Like many young boys, Joe loves fishing, not so much because of what he catches, but just the whole experience of fishing, including waiting and daydreaming. Unfortunately, his father does not share his interest and refuses to accompany his son on his fishing trips. When the fishing club Joe joins plans an ice fishing outing, he must have a parent or guardian to accompany him. The man reluctantly agrees, and they end up sharing several special moments, laughing, talking, and reconnecting, even making the best of things when Joe lands a surprising kind of fish. The story is told in pitch-perfect fashion by a master storyteller who knows exactly how to use words to get his message across, and that last line punctuates the story perfectly. As I read this one, I thought about how many caregivers often participate in the hobbies of their children, supporting them, even coming to enjoy those activities too, just because they love their kids. This is a heartfelt story that is ideal for sharing with others, but be prepared for a few wet eyes as you read it--maybe yours and maybe theirs. It'll make a fishing aficionado out of many readers--or at the very least, prompt someone to give a loved one a hug.
March 17, 2018
A nice story of a boy and his dad making a connection through the shared activity of fishing. Joe, the little boy, loves fishing with the local fishing club, but his dad does not. When Joe needs a chaperone for an upcoming ice fishing trip, his dad reluctantly agrees to go. But the pair finds the shared time enjoyable and after that they always fish together.
The illustrations help move the story along. Dad sort of comes off as childish in his refusal to participate with his son, and that turned me off a bit. Overall though, this is a nice story about father and son relationships.
The illustrations help move the story along. Dad sort of comes off as childish in his refusal to participate with his son, and that turned me off a bit. Overall though, this is a nice story about father and son relationships.
December 10, 2022
Sweet story! Bonus: illustrations by David McPhail!
March 8, 2018
A quiet, poignant story about a father-son experience.
June 22, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello friends and Happy Father’s Day! Our review today is Hooked, written by Tommy Greenwald and illustrated by David McPhail, a fishing story of father and son.
To Joe, there’s no better way to spend a day than a fishing trip. He enjoys the peaceful quiet and being alone with his imagination. More than anything, Joe wants his dad to join him, but his dad always says no, protesting that it’s boring (and he doesn’t like worms). So Joe joins the town fishing group instead, and is excited to hear of the upcoming ice fishing trip – until the group leader says that he must be accompanied by an adult. Joe asks his father to join him, who agrees on one condition: he never has to go fishing with Joe again. But when the pair head out to the lake, Joe’s dad may find that fishing isn’t just about what you catch, but who you spend the day with.
I have mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, it ends up being a sweet story, where Joe’s father learns to appreciate fishing as time spent together, and Joe can finally share his hobby. The illustrations are darling, with a nostalgic storybook style. But honestly, I can’t get over what a jerk Joe’s dad at first! Yes, he eventually realizes his error, but the responses he gives to his son wanting to spend time with him – and the way the illustrations show how clearly heartbroken Joe is by them – are upsetting as a parent, and could be upsetting to young readers as well. It’s a judgement call for those who want to share this with their own little bookworms, but it quite frankly turned me off. Otherwise, the length was fine, and JJ enjoyed the illustrations. But overall, this is one we’ll throw back.
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 26, 2018
A young boy loves to spend his time fishing, but his father doesn’t want to join him in this picture book. Joe loves to fish, but his father just doesn’t understand the appeal and won’t participate. So Joe joins the local fishing club and they fish all over the area in different bodies of water. The in the winter, the club decides to do ice fishing and every kid will need an adult along. Joe is worried that his father will refuse again, but instead he agrees to do it just once. When the two of them get to the frozen lake, nothing much happens at first. Then they start to talk and talk together and suddenly Joe’s father understands.
This is a lovely quiet book, one that celebrates the silence and beauty of fishing and also the way that quiet hobbies can create opportunities for deep connection with others. Children not interested in fishing will still recognize the way that parents sometimes duck out of games and hobbies that they find unappealing. The illustrations are classic McPhail filled with luminous glowing light and a playful sense of storytelling. A great pick for fishing story times or for a quiet evening of stories together. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
This is a lovely quiet book, one that celebrates the silence and beauty of fishing and also the way that quiet hobbies can create opportunities for deep connection with others. Children not interested in fishing will still recognize the way that parents sometimes duck out of games and hobbies that they find unappealing. The illustrations are classic McPhail filled with luminous glowing light and a playful sense of storytelling. A great pick for fishing story times or for a quiet evening of stories together. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
April 14, 2018
Greenwald, Tommy Hooked, illustrations by David McPhail. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2018. $17. 9781596439962.
A little boy loves to go fishing, but his Dad is not willing to participate. When the boy has to have a parent with him on an ice fishing expedition, he is worried that his father will hate it. Instead, they build bonds and his Dad is hooked.
What an interesting role reversal for the son and father – you must admit, it is usually the other way around on a fishing trip. McPhail’s illustrations really add a dose of sweetness to this book. This would be a great gift for a fisherman in you life, too.
EL (K-3), EL, GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
A little boy loves to go fishing, but his Dad is not willing to participate. When the boy has to have a parent with him on an ice fishing expedition, he is worried that his father will hate it. Instead, they build bonds and his Dad is hooked.
What an interesting role reversal for the son and father – you must admit, it is usually the other way around on a fishing trip. McPhail’s illustrations really add a dose of sweetness to this book. This would be a great gift for a fisherman in you life, too.
EL (K-3), EL, GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
February 21, 2018
Joe loved fishing, his father did not. So Joe joined a fishing club. But when the leader of the group announced that each child had to have a parent with him/her to go on an ice-fishing trip, Joe worried. His dad agreed to go as long as he never had to do it again. They didn't catch anything all day long, but they talked, laughed, told stories, and drank hot chocolate. Then just before they packed up to go home, Joe caught a pink stuffed elephant. His father convinced him to keep it and even went fishing with him again and again. His dad liked fishing, and talking and laughing with Joe. In the end, Joe caught 'the big one'... his dad!
May 24, 2018
What is the feeling when your hobby or passion is not appreciated?
ESP. by your family?
That means a lot.
That means a part of you cannot function socially.
That means disconnection.
That means you are puzzling if you may hurt the feelings of someone you love by doing something you love.
I love the book translate these feelings in a nuanced way and how the father is willing to do a little, then a little more.
Until the boy catches a big one.
I am reading at a school play yard, and some tears came off when I saw the last page.
Simply beautiful.
ESP. by your family?
That means a lot.
That means a part of you cannot function socially.
That means disconnection.
That means you are puzzling if you may hurt the feelings of someone you love by doing something you love.
I love the book translate these feelings in a nuanced way and how the father is willing to do a little, then a little more.
Until the boy catches a big one.
I am reading at a school play yard, and some tears came off when I saw the last page.
Simply beautiful.
January 12, 2018
The story is cute but the illustrations make the book look like it was originally published 50 years ago. Just based on the visuals it is unlikely that that a student would choose this book for themselves. The entire vibe of the book is that it is intended for a grandparent to see it somewhere be reminded of the books that they used to read and then buy it as a gift for a grandkid. A children's book's intended audience should be the child not the grandparents nostalgia.
February 15, 2018
I can only hope that this story gets repeated in my household someday - my husband is emphatically not into sports, but there are enough athletic genes running through the family that our daughter will probably be pretty sporty. But I'm hoping that he'll discover the fun of being along for the ride!
I liked this particular story overall, but - as much as I like David McPhail's work - I worry that the old-fashioned illustrations will cause a lot of kids to skip this one.
I liked this particular story overall, but - as much as I like David McPhail's work - I worry that the old-fashioned illustrations will cause a lot of kids to skip this one.
November 3, 2018
“Joe loved fishing even though nothing much happened.”
Joe would love for his dad to come fishing with him, but dad thinks it’s boring. So Joe joins the fishing club. When the club plans an ice fishing outing, it requires each kid to be accompanied by a guardian. Joe’s dad agrees to go if he never has to go again.
It’s cold ... and nothing much happens ... except that they talk and laugh and Joe catches a stuffed elephant. But it’s his dad who has been “hooked.”
Joe would love for his dad to come fishing with him, but dad thinks it’s boring. So Joe joins the fishing club. When the club plans an ice fishing outing, it requires each kid to be accompanied by a guardian. Joe’s dad agrees to go if he never has to go again.
It’s cold ... and nothing much happens ... except that they talk and laugh and Joe catches a stuffed elephant. But it’s his dad who has been “hooked.”
March 31, 2019
This book has many surprising elements. It is presented in a very old fashion style, the colour palette, art style, the layout etc so much so that I was so shocked to see it was published in 2018 and that my library acquired it just a month ago (Feb 2019). Though the art and drawings did not appeal to me the way the story was told did. It has a happy ending and paints a realistic bond between a father and his son.
February 7, 2018
Hooked is a great read to me book about a young boy who loved fishing and his dad who did not!
Then, one day they fished together and a great relationship developed. Sharing, talking, laughing. And from then on, they fished together and had a great time. Fishing was not about "fishing." It was about being together.
Then, one day they fished together and a great relationship developed. Sharing, talking, laughing. And from then on, they fished together and had a great time. Fishing was not about "fishing." It was about being together.
February 22, 2018
This quiet story is perfect for Papa and child to share. Though Joe's Dad didn't like to fish, Joe convinced him to try it. And it became a "special time" for the two of them, again and again.
"It turned out Joe's dad loved fishing almost as much as Joe did.
You could say he was hooked.
And that's how Joe caught The Big One."
Mc Phail's pastel illustrations pair perfectly with the text.
"It turned out Joe's dad loved fishing almost as much as Joe did.
You could say he was hooked.
And that's how Joe caught The Big One."
Mc Phail's pastel illustrations pair perfectly with the text.
April 28, 2018
To my surprise I really loved this story! I loved the relationships base that this story had--the young boy and his dad, that didn't understand his love for fishing. In many ways, this was my own story, just not about fishing, and, to me, that is the sign of a great story--the ability to connect to it personally, even beyond the main topic.
June 9, 2018
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
This is a really sweet story about a little boy who loves to fish, and his dad who is really not interested. Dad reluctantly agrees to chaperone an ice fishing trip, and from there the two develop a bond over fishing. Lovely illustrations match the story well.
This is a really sweet story about a little boy who loves to fish, and his dad who is really not interested. Dad reluctantly agrees to chaperone an ice fishing trip, and from there the two develop a bond over fishing. Lovely illustrations match the story well.
May 13, 2021
A simple, short story about a boy who wants to go fishing with his dad. Although not interested in fishing, Dad finally agrees and an adventure ensues, which turns into something more. I shall not give anything away; let's say the last page elicited an "awe" from me. The last page may go over some kids' heads, but not for us sentimental grownups!
January 25, 2018
A boy who loves fishing convinces his dad to take him ice fishing. Though the only thing they catch is a stuffed elephant, they spend the day talking together. The two of them continue to fish and have that time together.
February 13, 2018
From the cover, I thought this would be a sentimental ode to summer, or something like that. Nothing wrong with odes, especially to summer, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this book to be funny, moving, modern tale of father/son bonding with a whopper for a final line.
March 1, 2018
A lovely father and son bonding story that happens to occur because of fishing. Instead of the father dragging the son out to fish, it’s the other way around. A wonderful tale to share between those who love to spend time outdoors together.
April 14, 2018
Charming new picture book about a little boy who loves fishing, and his persistence in getting his dad to go with him. Pair it with a new pole or fishing gear for your little boy to give to his daddy on Father's Day.
September 8, 2018
Just a boy and his dad in this story. But that's not the story. The boy loves fishing and the dad doesn't. Finally, the boy needs an adult family member to accompany him on an ice fishing trip. Dad goes...reluctantly. But after that trip, he's...(see title).
March 27, 2019
Kdg-2nd grade
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Parents! Read this to your children! This book is sweet and fun to a young child but will stick something deep within a parent or guardian. The importance of time with one another is examined in this short, but sweet, picture book.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Parents! Read this to your children! This book is sweet and fun to a young child but will stick something deep within a parent or guardian. The importance of time with one another is examined in this short, but sweet, picture book.
November 16, 2020
This story has a cute ending, but Joe's dad is a childish jerk! I can't get past how immature he is and feel that Joe, at age approximately 8, is the most mature character in the book. Maybe if Joe's dad apologized in the end this book would have redeemed itself.
January 17, 2018
that was just...perfection.
January 19, 2018
A young boy who loves to fish works hard to get his dad to like it too.
January 31, 2018
Great story about catching more than fish!
January 31, 2018
Nice book about convincing your dad to do something you love with you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews