A SEASON FOR FISHIN'

A large extended Black family introduces a youngster to a longstanding Louisiana tradition.

The protagonist—affectionately referred to as Cher by the rest of the family—is thrilled for Fish Fry Friday. “Sister Wind brushes curtains against my cheek,” and “Ol’ Sun peeks, then winks at me” as the child awakens and gets ready to go fishing at Cane River Lake with Papere. Cher has Great-Pere’s cane pole (“He won beaucoup contests with this pole,” notes Papere), but a successful day’s fishing also requires the child to stay quiet—a difficult task on such a thrilling occasion. Still, Cher patiently waits until…triumph! “Not just one catch, / a whole batch of bream for Mamere.” Alas, twirling in excitement, Cher spills the bucket of fish, which flop into the lake. But, as Cher and readers both learn, Fish Fry Friday isn’t just about the food that Mamere prepares. The “hush in the water,” the chatter of kinfolk—these are all the things that Cher is proudly a part of. Simultaneously classic and contemporary, Chambers’ serene digital illustrations emulate pastel brushes, drawing readers into the setting and pairing well with Courtney’s text, rich with dialect and flavored with onomatopoeia. The tale closes with an author’s note and a glossary of words of French origin commonly used in Louisiana.

A celebration of those things that nourish us most: food, family, and fishing.