Whatever the book, we try to support a sense of wonder and adventure, balanced with opportunities to learn new words, lessons and ideas. So, when I heard about the latest book from Andy Weiner, I was very excited to add it to our son’s collection. Andy’s book Down by the River takes readers on a day trip fishing adventure with Art, his mother and grandfather – and makes me oh-so-nostalgic for the limestone creeks of northeast Pennsylvania where I first learned to fly fish. While it’s a new venture for Art, his mother and grandfather are seasoned pros. Whether it’s packing up the gear, picking a fly, rigging up, or finding the right seam, they have a contagious passion for fly fishing that has trickled down to Art and is ready to blossom.

Chock-full of beautiful illustrations by April Chu, this story was particularly catching to me because if features a young boy and his mother as well as his grandfather – but I love that this little boy ventures into fly fishing with his mother as a role model. So many of us women have been taking our children to the water since day one and to have a book share a little glimpse of that is refreshing.

While my son isn’t quite two, he is a pretty fishy kid and – dare I say – a slight addict; from grabbing rods to helping net my and his dad’s fish, this book is a perfect companion to show him that little boys (and girls) can and do fly fish.

To get yourself, child, grandchild, friend’s child, niece/nephew – you get the picture – a copy, visit www.downbytheriverbook.com!