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. ( )

Media: Penciled and then water colored
Age Appropriateness: Primary, intermediate, Middle school
Review/ Critique: This was a great book about Abraham Lincoln while he was a young boy. The story talks about how him and his family were very hungry and he wanted to contribute, but he could not go work with his dad, so he went fishing. He caught a big fish. He gave the fish to a soldier who was fighting against the British, so when he got home his family was still hungry but he gave a meal to a hurt soldier, that got him thinking and inspired him to learn more. This was a good biography, it connected the story back to Abraham Lincoln while he was president and why the story is relevant to his life. The book also had details about his childhood.

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. ( )

President Lincoln as a boy. Introduce this book in Febuary at Lincoln's birthday.

"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'" --Abraham Lincoln: A History V. 1

This is Abraham Lincoln's reply when asked about his memories regarding the war of 1812, and the basis for a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that imagines a day in the life of Abe Lincoln as a child. As a parent planning to homeschool this fall I am always looking for books, fiction and non-fiction, that will bring our subjects to life while also allowing opportunity for learning. This book completely fits the bill.

The story imagines young Abe wanting very much to be more grown up and help his father work the land. When he is unable lift his father's ax his mother suggests he fish to catch something for dinner. They are a poor family and have been living on turnip soup and berries, rarely having full bellies. Abe catches his fish, but while walking home meets a bedraggled and hungry soldier. Abe remembers what his mother has taught him - to be good to soldiers because they are fighting for freedom. Abe doesn't really know what freedom is, but with his mother's words in mind he wrestles with the decision to give his prize fish to the soldier or keep it for his hungry family.

The watercolor illustrations are nicely done in earth tones with plenty of detail to draw in little eyes. The story is lovely and accessible even to young children. For older children it provides a starting point for learning about Abraham Lincoln, but also concepts such as freedom, empathy and caring for others, making difficult or unpopular decisions and more. It offers a brief look into early pioneer life and could be used as a supplement for study of that era. After the story the author has included a few pages describing Lincoln's early life, the members of his family, what school would have been like for a pioneering family as well as a nice bibliography and internet links to to get you started exploring.

While this book is listed as appropriate for ages 9-12 I found that my 4 year old enjoyed the book very much, asking to read it several times while we had it. I really enjoyed reading this book to my kids and have it on my list to read again when we are studying Lincoln in the future. ( )