This book is about a boy and his friend Bill who spend many days fishing from the dock but often wonder, wouldn't it be nice to fish where the big fish are? The boys decide it is time to make their dream come true. They spend a couple of days collects old wood and tires to make a boat only to find out the boat was destroyed by the overnight storm. What a disappointment, however, Bill is not discouraged and is determined to fix that boat. The sun is coming up when the boat is finally ready. I hope those boys are ready to catch some big fish! Adam's Gustavson does a wonderful job with is illustrations which makes us feel like we are in the swamp fishing. ( )

Jonathan London’s book is reminiscent of great childhood memories of his: building a raft and finding the big fish. A young boy and his best friend, Bill, decide to build a raft to go fishing for the big fish. One night a terrible storm destroys all their hard work. Just when the boy gives up on catching the big fish, Bill shows determination and perseverance. A cute story about a summer adventure and hard work. ( )

This nicely illustrated book tells the tale of two boys with a plan for a fishing adventure. The strategically gather materials to build a raft, build it, and plan the trip when a storm interrupts their plans and ruins their raft. They rebuild their raft and go on their fishing adventure. Boys will enjoy the adventure and planning part of the book. I could use it to discuss planning, teamwork, boy adventures, etc..... CAUTION: there are two places of near cussing in the phrase "What the..." and "...blasted trees". Grades 1-3 ( )