Place for Fish, A
In this simple introduction to fish and ecology, Melissa Stewart shares with young readers the behavior and beauty of fish and describes specific ways people can help protect them and their natural habitats.
Children learn basic facts about fish, including where they live, what they eat, and how they benefit plants and other animals. Sidebars throughout the book contain information on human action that has harmed fish and on the many ways people can protect threatened fish populations, such as by preserving reefs and other marine habitats and by restricting overfishing in sensitive areas. Pointers on how youngsters can help fish in their own community are also included.
Stewart offers children a glimpse into the interconnectedness of our world and shows how the actions of one species can inadvertently harm another. Bond's colorful, realistically detailed watercolor illustrations highlight the diversity of fishes and their habitats-from the Lahontan cutthroat trout in Nevada's lakes to the spotted trunkfish native to Florida's coral reefs.
Author & Illustrator
Melissa Stewart earned degrees from Union College and New York University and worked as an editor. She is the author of more than sixty books and lives in Massachusetts.
You can visit Melissa Stewart’s website here.
Higgins Bond received a BFA from the Memphis College of Art and has illustrated many books for children. She lives in Tennessee.
You can visit Higgins Bond’s website here.
Reviews
“...The information is presented for young readers...the full-color illustrations are very detailed...” ―School Library Journal
“...A Place For Fish is clear, concise, and written in short sentences that make it easy for children to understand. It is also quite lovely to behold, with brilliant illustrations (by artist Higgins Bond) that are so realistic, you'll feel as if you can touch the fish with your fingers, or stick your big toe in the cool blue water...” ―Picture Book Depot
“...attractive, informative introduction to fish and their conservation.” ―Booklist
“...A great book with a great message... with Earth day coming up this is definitely a great book to read to a classroom or at home.” ―Once Upon a Twilight blog
“...A Place for Fish is a great teaching tool that doesn't feel too educational. It's enjoyable. And did I mention beautiful? I highly recommend it!” ―A Word's Worth blog
“There's a lot to love in this book, starting with the range maps filling the endpapers. So I was engaged before I even reached the title page - but what do you expect when you team up an award-winning writer with a scientific illustrator?” ―Archimedes Notebook blog
“...Young readers will marvel at the beautiful fish, opening their minds to a world of possibilities and older readers will learn how to incorporate the lessons they learn as they read the book and interact with nature...” ―There's a Book blog
“A Place for Fish is the perfect book to read during Earth Day celebrations. Not only does it introduce children to fish life around the country, it shows the impact that humans have on their survival. As with her previous books, the colorful & detailed illustrations (by Higgins Bond) really add to the book...” ―Jenn's Bookshelves blog
“...Older children could use the information from the sidebars for school projects; preschoolers could enjoy the narration written at the top of the page during a story time about sea life.” ―Curled Up with a Good Kids Book blog
“...Stewart's dual-level text is perfect for book buddy programs or classrooms with a large spread in ability levels...” ―Kate Narita blog
“...Stewart brings young readers through a story of how human action, and sometimes inaction, can create issues for our friends living in the water. With tons of facts and stunning illustrations provided by Higgins Bond, your child can learn ways to help protect these important creatures...” ―Children and Teens Book Connection blog
“...Lush, colorful spreads draw in the reader and show the physical features of the fish in their environments. Inset art with the name of the fish adds more information. The acrylic art is done in the lovely style for which Peachtree is known and provides an up close picture of a variety of fish in their habitats...This book would make a good introduction to a study of environments, Earth Day, habitats, and interactions of animals in their environments.” ―Simply Science blog
“...With so many books shouting in our faces to "be careful" with our world, this book comes alongside readers more gently and exposes them to awareness without stern heavy-handedness. A pleasing read that will help children learn environmental responsibility.” ―YA and Kids' Books Central
“This nonfiction picture book glows with beautiful acrylic illustrations showing underwater, shoreline, and sea scenes...This total package of text and illustration attracts readers and provides facts for budding conservationists...” ―Library Media Connection
Awards
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―NSTA / CBC 2012
Green Earth Book Award (shortlist, children's nonfiction) ―Newton Marasco Foundation 2012
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association 2012

