Think of an Eel

Nature Storybooks

by Karen Wallace, Mike Bostock (Illustrator)

A great resource for teachers!

In graceful verse that matches the rhythm of an eel’s movement, THINK OF AN EEL relates the little-known lifestyle of a most intriguing fish. Children follow an eel from the day he is born, deep in the Sargasso Sea, to his years spent in the ocean, then join him on a trip up a freshwater river and return with him back to the sea, where he has his offspring. Fluid watercolor illustrations depict the sea and river setting in a story as captivating as it is true.

Genres: Animals, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful addition to Walker's 90s 'Read and Wonder' series whose function was to explore non-fiction texts for LKS2 yet, I think, this book does far more and is far greater than a simple factual recount of the lifecycle of an eel. Wallace, a keen nature explorer in her writing, writes a deeply poetic recount of an eel's journey which is accompanied throughout with Bostock's wonderful illustrations ( a narrative in themselves) and a series of factual tidbits which flows alongside the images.
For me, it is Wallace's rhythem and serpentine flow through the pages which is inspiring. You're not reading a set of factual notes about the eel. This is more akin to Ted Hughes and reads more as an ode to this remarkable creature and their journey: a real fusion text. The rhythm of the poem shows great skill and knowledge of form using alliteration and imagery well - it is clear that Wallace enjoys playing with language as much as she enjoys exploring wildlife.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole I liked the book.
The illustrations and texts were cohesive and made the facts really clear.
Much more about facts than story.
Links to science with lifecycles.
Topic book.

Nice illustrations.
The writing style was awkward to read.
On the whole, good though.

[Karen]

Excellent picture book for both the child and the reader. Rhythmic, lyrical text makes it a joy while expanding the child's language development. The call-out boxes of more detailed scientific information teaches the older child or adult. Beautiful artwork.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, very informative as well as engaging

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know eels were so interesting, learnt a lot.

[Anna Nipert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good children's book to teach young learners about the life cycle of an eel.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. Who would believe that eels could be so interesting? I find eels particularly gross so have never given them a whole lot of consideration. But the role of the Sargasso Sea in the eel life cycle is really quite amazing (even if it has come into some question since this book was written). It really is astounding to contemplate, and does make you Read and Wonder, as the series title suggests!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a kids' book as a good poem. Not like many of them that pass for poetry--clunky, sing-song and extremely irritating. This one is quiet, subtle and beautifully done.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

1993 Kurt Maschler Award
Lovely water color illustrations.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would think that eels (or a book about them) would be so fascinating!

[Laura S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poetical

[Seung Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting facts about eels. My five-year-old kid was not that much into it though.