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No Fish for Charles
Meet Charles, a big croc who loves chilling on rocks and fishing from the back of his canoe. With dreams of fried fish for dinner, he decides to skip school one day to try his luck and cast his reel. But when Charles encounters a school of clever fish and his outing suddenly becomes anything but chill, he realizes that going to school is always the smartest option.
- GenresChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2019
2929 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Detz
2 books50 followersTracy Detz is a therapeutic riding instructor and owner of Forever Free, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities through the way of the marvelous horse. In April 2019 her first book was published, No Fish For Charles. It received the 2019 Literary Classics Book Awards Gold Medal: Humor and Seal of Approval, and The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards 1st Place, Picture Books 5 & younger. She lives with her family on a farm in Wales, Michigan. When Tracy isn't teaching or riding she likes to explore magical places, their people, and their way of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 12, 2019
This book is an absolute treasure that every child will love.
I knew from the moment I first learned that I was going to be a grandmother that I would find great joy instilling the love of reading in my granddaughter. This book sits at the top of our treasure chest of most loved books.
The story of Charles is told in rhymes that read like a favorite childhood song. It's fun and every child will be excited to examine the beautiful illustrations and point out what is happening on each page and be even more excited to turn the page and find out what Charles will reel in next!!
I adored this story and have already read it numerous times to my granddaughter and it fills me with joy to see her smile and giggle with each new line of the rhyme.
I love reading this book to my granddaughter as much as she loves hearing it. It is because of a book like "No Fish For Charles" that every child that reads it, will want to read more.
Thank you to Tracy Detz for writing this magnificent story. I honestly hope the author writes many more books that will be loved by children of all ages.
Thank you Tracy Detz for sending me this book. I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is my honest review.
I knew from the moment I first learned that I was going to be a grandmother that I would find great joy instilling the love of reading in my granddaughter. This book sits at the top of our treasure chest of most loved books.
The story of Charles is told in rhymes that read like a favorite childhood song. It's fun and every child will be excited to examine the beautiful illustrations and point out what is happening on each page and be even more excited to turn the page and find out what Charles will reel in next!!
I adored this story and have already read it numerous times to my granddaughter and it fills me with joy to see her smile and giggle with each new line of the rhyme.
I love reading this book to my granddaughter as much as she loves hearing it. It is because of a book like "No Fish For Charles" that every child that reads it, will want to read more.
Thank you to Tracy Detz for writing this magnificent story. I honestly hope the author writes many more books that will be loved by children of all ages.
Thank you Tracy Detz for sending me this book. I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is my honest review.
May 3, 2019
The first thing that I must mention about this book is the illustrations. Created by illustrator, Monika Suska, they’re perfect for the 5-8 age range and they capture the best scenes in the story. They’re bright, funny and detailed and the style really grabs your attention. Charles’ dorky self is such a lovable character, and Monika has captured his personality really well in her artwork. I particularly liked the design for the whale too – very cute!
I also really enjoyed the repetition and rhyming in the book. It’s a well known fact that repetition is great for a kids book and the rhyming words make it flow brilliantly. The text on each page is in short snippets, perfect for you to take in what is happening throughout the book alongside the great illustrations.
In fact, if I’m being completely honest, there isn’t a single negative comment I wish to make about this book. Everything about it is lovable and I am confident that No Fish For Charles would be a perfect addition to your child’s bookshelf. (And yours, if you’re a big kid at heart!)
I also really enjoyed the repetition and rhyming in the book. It’s a well known fact that repetition is great for a kids book and the rhyming words make it flow brilliantly. The text on each page is in short snippets, perfect for you to take in what is happening throughout the book alongside the great illustrations.
In fact, if I’m being completely honest, there isn’t a single negative comment I wish to make about this book. Everything about it is lovable and I am confident that No Fish For Charles would be a perfect addition to your child’s bookshelf. (And yours, if you’re a big kid at heart!)
March 25, 2020
Show of hands – who among us has NOT wanted to play hooky for a day? Who hasn’t wanted to skip out on their work or school, just for a day, and to go do something we love doing? (Hmmmmm … not many hands, and most of THOSE people are lying!)
In “No Fish for Charles”, author Tracy Detz tells the tale of a crocodile named Charles, who decides that fishing would be more enjoyable than attending school. Of course, things do not work out as he planned, snagging things other than the fish he sought. It is probably not much of a spoiler to reveal that Charles realizes that school IS a better choice for him in the long run – and given his luck, in the short term, as well!!
Author Tracy Detz tells a basic children’s tale but keeps it interesting enough to keep the attention of her audience, and illustrator Monika Suska enhances the tale with her pictures.
A good story for your favorite kid(s).
Rating: 4 stars
In “No Fish for Charles”, author Tracy Detz tells the tale of a crocodile named Charles, who decides that fishing would be more enjoyable than attending school. Of course, things do not work out as he planned, snagging things other than the fish he sought. It is probably not much of a spoiler to reveal that Charles realizes that school IS a better choice for him in the long run – and given his luck, in the short term, as well!!
Author Tracy Detz tells a basic children’s tale but keeps it interesting enough to keep the attention of her audience, and illustrator Monika Suska enhances the tale with her pictures.
A good story for your favorite kid(s).
Rating: 4 stars
February 26, 2020
With fish on his mind, Charles the croc learns an important lesson...and not the easiest way.
Charles is a croc, who would much rather go fishing than to school. With his rod and canoe, he heads out to catch fish for dinner. But instead of fish, he's catching the craziest things. As he hooks stranger and stranger items, it becomes clear that there's more behind his bad fishing than his own lack of skill.
Charles is a fun crocodile with quite the attitude...and he has fried fish on his brain. His determination and tad bit of hilarious wit make him a humorous character. As he starts to catch anything but fish, giggles are sure to spring up. The catch gets sillier and sillier, and it's fun to watch the fish under the water laughing and planning. In other words, smiles are guaranteed.
The illustrations are bright and allow the atmosphere to unfold with all of its silly quirks. Charles is well done, fitting the role perfectly. The text is written in rhyme and flows fairly well. The tale works nicely as a read aloud and will definitely entertain the intended age group while bringing across the message of how important it is to attend school.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this cute croc's antics quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Charles is a croc, who would much rather go fishing than to school. With his rod and canoe, he heads out to catch fish for dinner. But instead of fish, he's catching the craziest things. As he hooks stranger and stranger items, it becomes clear that there's more behind his bad fishing than his own lack of skill.
Charles is a fun crocodile with quite the attitude...and he has fried fish on his brain. His determination and tad bit of hilarious wit make him a humorous character. As he starts to catch anything but fish, giggles are sure to spring up. The catch gets sillier and sillier, and it's fun to watch the fish under the water laughing and planning. In other words, smiles are guaranteed.
The illustrations are bright and allow the atmosphere to unfold with all of its silly quirks. Charles is well done, fitting the role perfectly. The text is written in rhyme and flows fairly well. The tale works nicely as a read aloud and will definitely entertain the intended age group while bringing across the message of how important it is to attend school.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this cute croc's antics quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
December 16, 2019
Rhyming books for the little ones in our lives make me smile. Tracy Detz’s No Fish for Charles delightfully rhymes out a story with a moral for all children —the moral is also one some older people need to learn. Anyway, colorful, imaginative illustrations by Monika Suska bring Charles to life. I particularly liked the fish school principal! While Charles learns about the importance of school, young readers and listeners alike will learn to recognize rhymes and relationships between words that sound alike.
I highly recommend this book for preschool and kindergarten age children. The rhyming story supports early reading and the book is just fun. I can understand why it won a gold medal and seal of approval from Literary Classics and 1st place from Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.
I highly recommend this book for preschool and kindergarten age children. The rhyming story supports early reading and the book is just fun. I can understand why it won a gold medal and seal of approval from Literary Classics and 1st place from Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.
January 4, 2020
I loved this children’s book! Yes I won it from Goodread’s and author, Tracy Detz, but my review is strictly my own.
Any book that can be smile and laugh, let alone laugh out loud is a winner for me! To have a great moral story, I’m sold! To have all of these, you will get 5 stars from me!
Charles is a cute crocodile who decides he is going to skip school and go fishing. He catches several interesting items before he catches the principal of the fishes school who tells him how it should be! I don’t want to spoil the ending but let’s just say Charles ends learning a valuable lesson.
You don’t have to take my word on how cute this book is, it also won First Place from Royal Dragonfly Book Award!
Any book that can be smile and laugh, let alone laugh out loud is a winner for me! To have a great moral story, I’m sold! To have all of these, you will get 5 stars from me!
Charles is a cute crocodile who decides he is going to skip school and go fishing. He catches several interesting items before he catches the principal of the fishes school who tells him how it should be! I don’t want to spoil the ending but let’s just say Charles ends learning a valuable lesson.
You don’t have to take my word on how cute this book is, it also won First Place from Royal Dragonfly Book Award!
August 11, 2019
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Lucky Me! This is a fun book that I am looking forward to reading with my grandkids on their next visit. I know they will love it. I like the rhyming throughout the book and the message is a good one. The illustrations are cute and accurate to go along with the story. I am sure this book is one that will be read over and over at Grandma's house. Great job to the author,Tracy Detz, and the illustrator, Monika Suska. I hope there are more books from these ladies in the future.
August 12, 2019
A cute story that would make for many nights of bedtime story time reading. Catchy wording that kids will pick up on while learning to read and recite back while having fun going through the book on many rereads. Great artwork. Very colorful with fun details.
As a former teacher (Art), can't help but appreciate the pro-school message. A few nice play on words gave it a nice twist in places.
The only nitpick complaint I have is that I wish that it was just a few pages longer. The story just needed a bit more detail, mostly towards the end.
Recommend for children ages 3 to 8.
As a former teacher (Art), can't help but appreciate the pro-school message. A few nice play on words gave it a nice twist in places.
The only nitpick complaint I have is that I wish that it was just a few pages longer. The story just needed a bit more detail, mostly towards the end.
Recommend for children ages 3 to 8.
March 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book but as I'm an adult, I figured my children's opinions would be a better indication of the book.
8 year-old: I would give it 5 stars for funny but 3 stars for awesomeness. The fish were super funny tricking the croc. The book was super easy to read but I would read it again. This book would be good for [my 2 year old cousin].
6 year-old: I would give this book 5 stars for funny and 5 stars for awesomeness. It was funny because the crocodile was in a whales mouth. I loved the pictures! My class would really like this book too.
8 year-old: I would give it 5 stars for funny but 3 stars for awesomeness. The fish were super funny tricking the croc. The book was super easy to read but I would read it again. This book would be good for [my 2 year old cousin].
6 year-old: I would give this book 5 stars for funny and 5 stars for awesomeness. It was funny because the crocodile was in a whales mouth. I loved the pictures! My class would really like this book too.
September 2, 2020
First, I'd like to thank the author for my copy of this novel. She sent us a signed copy with the sweetest inscription inside that meant so much. This book has a great and easy to understand lesson for children. I read it out loud to my husband (who loves to fish) and we both chuckled the whole way through. I can not wait to read it to our nieces and nephews! For all of you with children in your life, I highly recommend this novel. A shoutout for the illustrations as well, they were beautifully done!
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August 10, 2019Charles the crocodile skips school to fish out of his boat looking for dinner. He can almost taste the fried fish he is sure to catch! But when he catches other things instead, Charles is frustrated. Then, he learns from the Principal of the School of Fish why school is important and he must rethink his day off! Fresh and funny, with gorgeous illustrations, this book will have young and old chuckling aloud. Thanks for the win!
August 16, 2019
DELIGHTFUL!!! I am a retired Pre K Teacher. My 4 year olds would have loved this book. It had everything that would have kept them engrossed. ---Beautiful illustrations, a crocodile, fishing, and was written in rhyme. And I believe that they would have picked up on the morale, that school is important. Gave this book to a young teacher to share the pleasure of this well written story for many years to come.
August 6, 2020
Oh my goodness super duper cute. LOVED the rhyming. My daughter and I had so much fun reading this book together. The illustrations were bright, colorful, and perfect for the story. We loved looking at the pictures almost more than reading the rhyming poetry. Great lessons too about how important it is to go to school and how you don’t always know what’s best for you as a kid. Excellent book and highly recommend!
August 11, 2019
A very nice children's book, suitable to read to little ones or for young readers to read on their own. A cute story about the day Charles skips school to go fishing with an added message of the importance of school. The illustrations are top-notch!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 3, 2020
Oh you guys. You gotta buy this one for your littles or for your students. I'm a special ed teacher and my students have developmental and cognitive disabilities. I always have a student or two who needs to hear the message of how going to school is important - in a fun way. Perfect rhymes and tempo. And the illustrations are too cute. Thank you, Tracy Detz! Can't wait to find more of your work!
March 5, 2020
I read this children’s book to my five year old niece and four year old nephew and they loved it. The illustrations are eye catching and entertaining, both kids were pointing various things out throughout the story. The storyline was original and had a good message about going to school. I highly recommend this children’s book for kids about six or under.
August 23, 2020
Fun book with a great lesson for kids
This book follows Charles’ adventures when he decided to skip school one day. The rhyming text and bright illustrations are engaging. My 4 years old asked me to read it several times a day. This book has also won First Place from Royal Dragonfly Book Award! This book is fun and give a good lesson for kids. Highly recommended for young readers.
This book follows Charles’ adventures when he decided to skip school one day. The rhyming text and bright illustrations are engaging. My 4 years old asked me to read it several times a day. This book has also won First Place from Royal Dragonfly Book Award! This book is fun and give a good lesson for kids. Highly recommended for young readers.
August 9, 2019
My Kids loved this book and the pictures! Also it has a great message! My daughter never listens to book until the end because she says she is bored. This one she listed to every word... :) thank you!
August 28, 2019
This is a delightful book for kids of all ages. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. The story has a fun lesson for kids teaching them the importance of staying in school. I look forward to reading Tracy's upcoming books. She is a gifted writer with a creative imagination.
January 8, 2020
I loved this book. Great story, one i know my grandsons will love. My oldest is five and loves to fish with his Dad. The illustrations were bright and fine very well. I won this book through Goodreads and can't wait to share it with my grandsons!
February 1, 2020
A cute story of a croc named Charles who skips school to go fishing but learns a lesson he didn't expect to. Cute illustrations and a good moral to tell. Thanks for the bookmark and signing it. A nice touch.
September 1, 2020
This book was really cute (both the story and the illustrations!) It’s light hearted but an easy to engage in or read story to help kids see why school is helpful. I’m excited to share this one with my nephew who is starting kindergarten!
August 9, 2019
This book was a Goodreads win. I read this book to my grandson and he giggled during it. He is three years old so I say it is a very good story for little ones. My grandson said he goes to school too.
August 9, 2019
My niece made me read this already at least 12 times. She’s a big fan of crocodiles right now so it’s a great read.
*Received this book through a giveaway
*Received this book through a giveaway
August 10, 2019
Fun story. Love the pictures. I can't wait to share this story with my grandchildren. I won this book through Goodreads.
August 26, 2019
Cute story with a good lesson. The illustrations were adorable.
November 8, 2019
I read this with m y daughter and it was really cute. She liked how it rhymed and I thought the illustrations were great.
I won this on the Good reads giveaway.
I won this on the Good reads giveaway.
January 4, 2020
Such a cute rhyming story for little ones. My littles loved it!
January 9, 2020
Beautiful illustrations mixed with a wonderful story about the importance of school. children can relate easily to the characters and the message! Young children will love this book!
January 21, 2020
What a wonderful book. It hooked my daughter and I very quickly . With the beautiful illustrations and important lessons. It is pure joy .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews