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edshara's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very simple introduction to the lives of Vietnamese immigrants. It is short and simple with just enough information to tell the story and possibly encourage readers to seek out more books, so they can learn more.
I enjoyed the illustrations. It was nice to see the close attention to detail. This may have been a little to hyped, in my mind, but overall this was good.
I enjoyed the illustrations. It was nice to see the close attention to detail. This may have been a little to hyped, in my mind, but overall this was good.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this accessible, relatable story of a refugee family.
geekwayne's review
5.0
People ask me why I read children's books. It's because of books like 'A Different Pond' by Bao Phi with illustrations by Thi Bui. It is a children's picture book which uses a quiet power to tell a very deep story.
A young boy and his father go fishing. During the course of the trip, the father remembers another fishing trip in another time and country. In both stories, a caught fish means food on the table. Soon the father and son have to go home so that the father can get to work.
The author is an acclaimed poet, and the story feels like it is from his own experience. There is a depth and subtle sadness to this story that most children may not pick up on. A lost brother, a mouth of bad teeth, and an accent that is compared to a muddy river. There is also happiness to be found. A young boy makes a campfire, and a family eats a dinner together.
The art is by a graphic artist that I was not familiar with but I like her work here. The simple style fits the story beautifully. Anything more elaborate would have detracted from this quiet beautiful story of a father and son making and sharing memories.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Capstone Young Readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
A young boy and his father go fishing. During the course of the trip, the father remembers another fishing trip in another time and country. In both stories, a caught fish means food on the table. Soon the father and son have to go home so that the father can get to work.
The author is an acclaimed poet, and the story feels like it is from his own experience. There is a depth and subtle sadness to this story that most children may not pick up on. A lost brother, a mouth of bad teeth, and an accent that is compared to a muddy river. There is also happiness to be found. A young boy makes a campfire, and a family eats a dinner together.
The art is by a graphic artist that I was not familiar with but I like her work here. The simple style fits the story beautifully. Anything more elaborate would have detracted from this quiet beautiful story of a father and son making and sharing memories.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Capstone Young Readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
ameliariley4's review against another edition
4.0
idk how to feel about it because it's a picture book. i liked the story but at the same time there were hardly any words. however, there's kind of a like idk hidden meaning/double meaning so yeah!
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
3.0
A great illustrated book about a boy and his father fishing. This was like reading a memoir about Bao Phi and his early childhood with learning more about his father and his culture from Vietnam. Be sure to read the authors comments at the end. I liked this story but I wish it was a little longer. ~Ashley
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This is truly one of the best multi-cultural books I've read this year. Told in comicbook-like style, the story remains both nostalgic and positive. The use of color and three-dimensional characters is just incredible, and completely convincing. It's sweet, creative, and altogether wholly fulfilling and enjoyable. I'd definitely buy this for my bookshelf and for any young child's.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
johnnymacaroni's review against another edition
5.0
I think there is something really special about this book. It is quiet in its approach ...just like one would be fishing early in the morning. It presents the immigrant experience in such a way that any reader could relate but also learn and empathize. I also really appreciated the author and illustrator notes which added another level of understanding for me and made me go back and read it again, looking more closely at the illustrations. One of my favorite books of the year!
tealeafbooks's review
4.0
I highly recommend. Do not limit your reading by dismissing this as children's literature.
P.S. Book newsletters are great at directing me towards books like this one. I had seen/read work by Thi Bui before, but was not familiar with Bao Phi.
P.S. Book newsletters are great at directing me towards books like this one. I had seen/read work by Thi Bui before, but was not familiar with Bao Phi.