Grade K–3Patience & Connection

Season for Fishin'

Written by Pamela Courtney

Illustrated by Ebony Glenn

A young girl and her grandfather spend a summer day fishing together — waiting, watching, and talking as the hours drift by. More than a story about catching fish, this warm and tender picture book is about the quiet magic of time spent with someone you love, the lessons that come from slowing down, and the way nature teaches us patience.

View Teacher Guide

From the Library Director

This is a beautifully quiet book — and that's exactly what makes it so powerful. In a world of constant noise and activity, Courtney and Glenn give us a story about stillness, and kids respond to it in the most wonderful ways. It's a natural fit for conversations about patience, intergenerational relationships, and the natural world. Ebony Glenn's illustrations are lush and warm, full of the golden light of a summer afternoon. A perfect read-aloud for any unit on family, seasons, or the outdoors — and a lovely mentor text for writing about a special memory.

Big Idea

Some of the most important things we learn don't come from catching anything — they come from the time we spend waiting, watching, and being present with the people we love.

Discussion Questions

1
What does the girl learn from her grandfather during their fishing trip — and is it only about fishing?
2
Fishing requires a lot of patience. What does it mean to be patient? Is it easy or hard for you?
3
Have you ever spent quiet time with a grandparent or older family member? What did you do together? What did you learn?
4
The story takes place over a whole day outdoors. What details does the author use to show the passing of time?
5
Why do you think the grandfather takes the girl fishing instead of doing something faster or more exciting? What does that choice tell us about him?
6
How do the illustrations show the feeling of a summer day? What colors, light, and details did you notice?
7
The title says 'Season for Fishin'' — what do you think 'season' means here? Could it mean more than just the time of year?
8
If you could spend a whole day doing one quiet activity with someone you love, what would it be and who would you choose?

Activity: A Day I'll Always Remember

Students write and illustrate a personal narrative about a special memory spent with a family member or loved one — practicing descriptive writing, sensory detail, and personal narrative structure inspired by the book.

1
Think of a time you spent doing something simple but special with a family member or someone important to you — a walk, a meal, a game, a trip. Close your eyes and picture it. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel?
2
Write a short personal narrative about that memory. Include: where you were, who you were with, what you did, and one thing you learned or felt. Try to use at least two sensory details — just like the author does in the book.
3
Illustrate your memory. Think about the light, the colors, and the mood — try to capture the feeling of the moment, not just what happened.
4
Share your story with a partner or the class. Discuss: What makes a simple moment feel special? What do you want to remember about it?

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 — Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.7 — Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.3 — Write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide some sense of closure.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4 — Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
Social Studies — Family and Community: Understand the role of intergenerational relationships and the passing of traditions and knowledge across generations.
Social-Emotional Learning — Patience, mindfulness, and the value of slowing down; appreciation for relationships with older family members.