THE FISHING LESSON

By Heinrich Böll 

 Illustrated by Émile Bravo

A fisherman napping in his boat is interrupted by a tourist. The tourist explains to the fisherman that he could make more money if he just spent more time fishing. 

The tourist doesn't stop there. With every page his business plan grows more ambitious. New boats are added, then a smokehouse, a canning factory, a private helicopter, a Paris restaurant, and an export business. 

"And then you could come and relax here in the harbor, take a nap in the sunshine, or just enjoy the magnificent view!” says the tourist.

The fisherman has a short but perfect reply. 

Illustrated in a handsome cartoon style (inspired by THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN),
THE FISHING LESSON is a funny and insightful story about work and contentment.

(Thank you to Eerdmans.)

Get On Your Bike

It starts with a clash (a very human and realistic one) between two friends—William (a dog) and Bobby (a panda). Their quarrel escalates, sending Bobby out the door and onto his bike. Bobby travels on winding city streets and out to the Dutch country­side. 

For the youngest child, Bobby will have to be pointed out, especially in the first sketchy cityscape. The book is teaming with animals reminiscent of Richard Scarry's Busytown.  

In each lively spread you can find Bobby passing vibrantly varied groups of animals. To name just a few, there are deers on bikes, bears on scooters, pigs in dapper suits and picking tulips, and bunnies on boats. 

Calming down as he rides, Bobby bikes over a canal, and back to a forgiving William. 

Get On Your Bike is written by Joukje Akveld, and illustrated by Philip Hopman (illustrator of the wonderful Mikis and the Donkey). 

Loved it! 

(Review copy from Eerdmans)