A Million Fish...More or Less
on Goodreads (218)
What’s inside...
Newbery honor author Patricia C. McKissack's original yarn of the Louisiana bayou is told with verve and sly wit. Hugh Thomas knows that the Bayou Clapateaux is a peculiar place. In 1903, Papa-Daddy and Elder Abbajon caught a turkey that weighed 500 pounds, more or less. Hugh Thomas is skeptical until he's left alone on the bayou with only his fishing pole. He soon catches three fish, and then a million more. After encounters with raccoon bandits, thieving crows, and a hungry cat named Chantilly, Hugh Thomas returns home with just enough fish for breakfast and a fantastic story to tell.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hugh Thomas
Discussion points
What do you think the main message of the story is?
How did the story make you feel when Hugh Thomas started catching all those fish?
What would you have done if you were in Hugh Thomas' place?
Can you think of a time when you exaggerated a story? Why do you think people exaggerate?
What do you think about the setting of the Louisiana Bayou? How does it contribute to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about fishing or the bayou to connect their experiences or knowledge to the story.
While reading, pause to explore the illustrations, asking your child to describe what they see and how it might relate to the story.
Encourage your child to predict what happens next throughout the story, fostering their imagination and anticipation skills.
After reading, discuss the difference between a fib and a tall tale, helping your child understand why Hugh Thomas might have told such a big story.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences, like a fishing trip, to make the themes more tangible and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The protagonist, Hugh Thomas, learns the value of telling the truth after exaggerating his fish-catching story.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value truthfulness in their daily interactions and understand the impact of honesty on relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: Through Hugh Thomas’s adventures along the Bayou Clapateaux, the story instills a sense of wonder and respect for the natural environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cherish and preserve the natural beauty around them, fostering environmentally responsible behaviors.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: Set in the Louisiana bayou, the book exposes young readers to the rich cultural heritage of the region, including folklore and regional dialects.
Real-World Application: This lesson broadens a child's understanding of diverse cultures and encourages them to explore and respect various traditions and histories.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As Hugh embellishes his story, readers are prompted to differentiate between fact and fiction, honing their analytical skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these critical thinking skills in academic settings and in discerning information in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story's blend of factual and fantastical elements celebrates the creative storytelling process.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and storytelling, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and expressive skills.