Astrid and Apollo and the Fishing Flop

Astrid and Apollo

by V.T. Bidania, Dara Lashia Lee (Illustrations)

It's the twins' first time fishing. Astrid and Apollo can't wait to ride on their Uncle Lue's fast boat and get goofy pictures with all the fish they catch. But Apollo keeps catching things that are not fish! When a storm brings them to shore, Apollo starts to feel like he's a fishing failure. Can the twins turn the day around and help Apollo find the fun in fishing?

Genres: Juvenile, Asian American, Family

64 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's first chapter book, realistic fiction. This new series features a Hmong-American family living in Minnesota. twins Astrid and Apollo are the main characters, and this one also featured their Dad and their Uncle Lue, with Mom and their baby sister appearing briefly. The twins have been wanting to go fishing and today is the day. They pack the cooler with chicken and lemongrass, jelly cups, coconut water, and some night crawlers for bait. Dad and Uncle Lue help them bait the hooks and fish, although Astrid prefers using lures instead of the worms. As the day goes on, Astrid catches several crappies but Apollo keeps striking out. A sudden storm sends them to shore for lunch. Will Apollo ever get the victorious fishing picture he craves?

This #ownvoices book is both written and illustrated by Hmong Americans. The story is a simple slice of life story, with the food being the main presence of the Hmong culture. Front matter includes a Hmong glossary, back matter includes a glossary of English words that may be unfamiliar (mainly fishing terms), facts about the Hmong people and food, and discussion questions.

[Abby Johnson]

This is a cute, own-voices easy chapter book series about a Hmong family in Minnesota. Astrid & Apollo have small adventures in each one. Each volume includes details among Hmong culture and really great descriptions of food (or maybe I'm just hungry). Back matter include a pronunciation guide to Hmong words, discussion questions, and additional information about Hmong culture. The reading level's a step up from Katie Woo, but I'd try it on those kids who are ready for the next step.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astrid and Apollo learn how to fish with their father and their Uncle Lue on the latter's boat. When a storm comes up, Apollo is disappointed that he didn't catch any crappies like Astrid did, but then he realizes that he had fun and learned a lot. Young readers who have never fished will learn quite a bit about what takes place and the terminology used, as well as some Laotian and Vietnamese foods that Hmong Americans enjoy.

[Jes Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Own voices author and illustrator. Great beginning chapter book. Pronunciation guide at the beginning to help with Hmong words and a detailed glossary in the back with unusual words that appear in the text. A fact section rounds out the book with historical and interesting facts about the Hmong people. Great questions to practice reading comprehension .

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely sweet and cute series for kids starting out on longer chapter books who like realistic fiction--with plenty about Minnesota and Hmong culture mixed in.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early chapter book

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Twins Astrid and Apollo are camping for the first time! Apollo is thrilled to catch the biggest fish in the lake, but while Astrid keeps catching fish after fish, Apollo just manages to attract weeds and a shoe. When a storm rolls in, it looks like their fishing might be done for the day. Will Apollo ever be able to catch his dream fish?

A fun new first chapter series featuring a Hmong family living in Minnesota. Astrid and Apollo go on everyday adventures that weave in elements of their culture (especially many yummy foods!). A glossary of Hmong words are included in the front, and backmatter contains facts about the Hmong people, popular Hmong foods featured in that book, a glossary of more challenging English words found in the story, and questions and activity ideas to continue learning.