Abe's Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln

by Jen Bryant, Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

Here is the perfect book for celebrating Lincoln's 200th birthday, and a unique way to illuminate our 16th president for today's young readers. Based on an actual incident that occurred when Lincoln was just a boy, it shows that he, like so many children, wished he were taller (and it came true!); that he had a mischievous streak; that he loved words; and most important that even as a small child he puzzled deeply over the concept of freedom. Amy June Bates's superb illustrations capture young Abe's personality, the warmth of his home life, and the enduring power of his one-time chance meeting with a soldier from the War of 1812.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Presidents, Historical

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 3, 2009

About the author

Jen Bryant (Jennifer Fisher Bryant) writes picture books, novels and poems for readers of all ages. Her biographical picture book: A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet,received a Caldecott Honor award and her historical novel in verse RINGSIDE 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial is an Oprah Recommended Book for ages 12 & up. Other titles include Pieces of Georgia (IRA Young Adult Choices Pick), The Trial (about the 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial), a 1960’s-era novel Kaleidoscope Eyes (a Jr. Library Guild selection), Georgia’s Bones, celebrating the creative vision of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Music for the End of Time, based on a true story about WWII, and Abe’s Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln.

Jen has taught writing and Children’s Literature at West Chester University and Bryn Mawr College and gives lectures, workshops and school presentations throughout the year. She lives with husband, daughter and their Springer Spaniel in Chester County, PA.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based upon a very brief reminiscence from Abraham Lincoln, about an experience he had during the War of 1812, author Jen Bryant and illustrator Amy June Bates have created this lovely picture-book about a possible episode from his childhood. Having caught a fish for supper, young Abe is on his way home when he encounters a soldier, also heading home. Seeing that the man is poor and hungry, and recalling the story of the Good Samaritan, Abe offers him the fish, thinking he needs it more. Having been told the soldiers were off fighting for freedom, Abe asks whether the man found it, receiving an answer that has him pondering...

Having greatly enjoyed a number of Bryant's other picture-book biographies, from The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus to A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin , not to mention some of Bates' other tiles, from Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed to Gittel's Journey: An Ellis Island Story , both written by Lesléa Newman, I felt sure I would enjoy Abe's Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln, and I was not wrong. The story was heartwarming, with its tale of a poor young boy giving up his supper, because another needs it more, but it was also thought-provoking. The soldier's response to Abe's question about freedom - "I reckon I did see it sometimes... But other times, it seemed a long way off" - is one that will stick with me, I think, and is a poignant reminder that freedom is often an ephemeral state, rather than a permanent one. The artwork, done in pencil and watercolor, is lovely, capturing the beauty of the natural world around Abe, and his changing emotional state in each scene. In addition to finding both story and illustration excellent, I also appreciated the detailed afterword, which gave more information about Abe's life, and a list of further reading. Recommended to picture-book readers interested in Abraham Lincoln, particularly his youth, or in stories about generosity in general.

[Shiloah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. I had some issues with some things. First, the vocabulary words he was going over in his mind were not accurate. Anyone can read a primer from those times to see how advanced young children were and words like “dog” didn’t need spelling and sounding out. 😜. Finally, all was going along well and the next page has him as president. That jumped in a random way.

[N_patricia Brunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abe’s Fish (A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln) is a historical fiction story inspired by four lines in an early biography about Lincoln. President Lincoln was once asked what he remembered of the war of 1812 and he answered “ Nothing but this. I had been fishing one day and caught a little fish, which I was taking home. I met a soldier in the road, and, having been always told at home that we must be good to the soldiers, I gave him my fish”. The author, Jen Bryant spins these four lines into a rich historical glimpse into Abe Lincoln’s childhood.


The tale begins with young Abe wanting to help his Pa with the chore of chopping wood with an axe. The axe was too heavy for Abe and the young boy then thought he would have to spend another day picking berries with his sister, Sarah. Fortunately for Abe his Ma asked him to go to Knob Creek to catch fish for the family’s dinner. Abe happily obeyed his Ma’s request and caught a sizable fish. Food was scarce for the Lincoln family and a good fish dinner would be welcomed. While walking home, Abe met a hungry weary soldier and stopped to recall what his teacher and Ma had said about the soldiers fighting for freedom and how he should be kind to the soldiers.

Abe gave his fish to the thankful soldier and then went back home empty-handed. Abe’s sister Sarah teased her brother for not coming home with a fish, but his parents supported his decision and made due with vegetable soup and berries for dinner that night.

After dinner, Abe recalled his encounter with the soldier and before he fell asleep thought about words that he learned in school like flag and freedom. He knew he didn’t quite understand what freedom meant, but he knew that it was a good word to know.
I couldn’t help to think that this tale was a window into a boy’s life who, later would grow up to become an outstanding president. Abraham Lincoln, the man, was a moral president, who supported freedom and equality for all people.

The detailed earth-tone watercolors and pencil illustrations complement the simple text. The illustrations give the reader a good view into the setting, theme and plot of this appealing tale. The “Author’s Note” at the back of the book is an informative overview of Lincoln’s childhood, frontier life, and a general look into Abe Lincoln’s presidency. I would read this tale to students in grade two through grade four for the historical setting, theme and the strong moral protagonist. This would be a good book to read in February for President’s Day to introduce the class to the young Abe Lincoln.

[A_Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A day in the life of a young Abraham Lincoln is presented. Young Abe wanted to work with his Dad, but wasn’t able to lift the axe. Abe’s mother agreed to let him go fishing to catch a fish for the family dinner. While returning home with his catch, Abe encounters a poor, weary soldier. Abe’s parents and teacher always told him to be good to soldiers as they are fighting for freedom. Young Abe is faced with a moral dilemma of giving the fish to the poor, hungry soldier or bringing it home to his family for dinner. Abe is already fascinated with words and the soldier’s use of the word “freedom” only heightens that fascination. Abe decides it might be a good word to know. Pencil and watercolor illustrations provide a rustic feeling and interesting visual perspective. The text is boxed off with wooden sticks to echo the rustic setting. Although this is a fictional account of an actual event, the text and accompanying illustrations foreshadow Lincoln’s adult life. The Author’s Note at the end of the book provides additional information. Ages 4 and up. Can be used when discussing Abe Lincoln, his childhood, growing up, difficult choices, etc.
Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. 2009

[Sam Bloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

My quest to read every children's book about Lincoln published in 2008/09 continues... this one falls squarely into the good/not great camp. I really loved the illustrations, and it's a neat story - young Abraham catched a fish for his poor and hungry family, then gives it to a soldier (this is in 1812) who passes by - but the delivery was a bit too heavy-handed for me. Still, this was an enjoyable read.

[Madelyn Camacho-Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about the past president, Abraham Lincoln, as a young boy. It walks through history and his own stories, such as fishing and wanting to grow up. The illustrations overall are filled with darker colors such as green and brown, they almost looked like they are painted. I think this book is good overall and takes you through his young years.

[Morgan Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the realistic illustrations in this book. This is based on an actual even that happened to Abraham Lincoln. It also is a good book to motivate children. Abe speaks to himself about vocabulary and notes how much he loves “words”. This is a book for children aged 5-9

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story from Abraham Lincoln's childhood. Great lesson on kindness and charity despite your own needs.

[Hannah Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about sharing. And about Abraham Lincoln!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely tale based on a true event of Abe giving his fish to a hungry soldier. It introduces the idea of Freedom to the young child.

[Katie]

I feel very mixed about this book. Probably would be better with an older reader (as in 3rd grade).

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book that helps provide insight into Abraham Lincoln's childhood. The author portrays young Abe as a thoughtful child who wants to be of help to his family, but who at only 6 years of age, is to small to do the big important chores.

When he finally does find a task that he can excel at --fishing!-- he gives up his prize selflessly to aid another.

I think this would be a good book to use in conjunction with a learning unit about this fascinating president.

[Shannon McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little story. I don't know if it's based on any truth, but young Abe Lincoln goes fishing, and on his way home with dinner, he runs into a solider. Out of the kindness of his heart, Abe gives the hungry solider his family's dinner, knowing his family will be proud of him. This tale talks a lot about freedom, and foreshadows Abe's own future with freedom as president. It is a nice story, and I could see it possibly happening in Lincoln's lifetime.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells a story from Lincoln’s childhood about a day spent fishing followed by an encounter with a worn-down solider on the road home. But really the story’s sentiments linger on the early formation of Lincoln’s thoughts on freedom and its pursuit. For older-elementary and middle schoolers to read on their own or for parents to share with their younger ones, followed by a discussion. The author’s notes are very helpful to answer some questions that might come up after reading the book.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories of Abe, the boy, abound, but this one casts him at a very young age, too young to lift his Pa's axe even with two hands, still young enough to wish he could be tall. Told with the same subdued tone, quiet pace, and deep thoughtfulness that the illustrations convey. This story makes clear that the adults we become are shaped in our earliest experiences.

[Kristina Silverbears · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely moral story about Abraham Lincoln, which I would recommend for ages 5-8. Although there is some foreshadowing regarding Lincoln's interest in freedom, this book could be used to discuss the morals of giving to those in need, or the good Samaritan story. Awesome, rustic illustrations throughout. Not too wordy for an easy read aloud.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen is a Gettysburg graduate and I bought this for my kids for Valentine's Day/Lincoln's birthday. I really like it and the illustrations are great. The material in the back (author's note) was perfect for my 9 year old daughter.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a story that Lincoln use to tell himself it was a really nice story of sharing with those who may need more. Sweet and of course another great Lincoln book. I love all of these books coming out making him seem human and yet so much more like a tall tale. Grades K+

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story based on his autobiography. I love the back where it tells the historical details and gives a bibliography of other books to read. I didn't know before that he was shot 5 days after the war ended. Just saw Robert Redford's The Conspirator. Great film.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, fetching illustrations. It made me want to read more about Lincoln's boyhood. The historical/biographical details at the end were most welcome. Recommended.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that skillfully connects one event in young Lincoln's life with his accomplishments as President.

[Megan Tollefson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2009 - Historical Fiction - This story follows Abe Lincoln as a young, contemplative, and motivated boy. It shares encounters from Abe's childhood before he became the president.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story of a young Abe Lincoln. The narrative was a bit disjointed and felt forced at times in tying to adult Abe Lincoln.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book has lovely and simple illustrations. So many books are written about Abraham Lincoln during his presidency and his later life. This was refreshing to hear a tale of his childhood. My son, who is a huge Abraham Lincoln fan loved it!!