Fish Books

My fiance had seen this book recomended in one of his fishing magazines, so I got it for him for Christmas. He LOVES it. He said it is a great and easy read.

Reading this book has given me a new perspective on fishing; the memories with family, great friends or even the solitude when alone in the quiet of the winding rivers. I marvel at the stories of Bob's closest friends, many of whom are famous through their accomplishments and others including Bob who have demonstrated the importance that fishing with family and friends have on a prominent business man. I enjoyed the stories, the awesome pictures especially that beauty of a 13 pound brown trout "caught" by President George H. W. Bush while fishing with Bob and Mindy Rich. The retrospect of his thoughts in his conclusion conveyed all the feelings we as anglers have when we think of our passions for fishing and sharing those fond memories with our closest friends.

Well done Bob!

This book is a classic, a quick read full of great tales. It's fascinating to read the life of the anglers featured in this book and Bob did a fantastic job keeping the reason for the love of fishing until the very end. Anglers and non-anglers can easily connect to the reason we love sports and other hobbies. This book is inspirational, thought provoking and a lot of fun. A MUST READ!

Not that author Bob Rich asked, but to me fishing is about dreams: the dream of catching a fish, and the dream about it after I do.
"The Fishing Club" set me to dreaming about fishing past and future through his cast of famous (and near famous) anglers. Rich's characterizations of the fisherfolk and their fishing DNA is fresh and thoughtful stuff, hence this new book is a very enjoyable read.
Enjoyable enough, in fact, for me to hope for more.

Really cool book. I was intriqued by the different backgrounds and stories of the fisherman profiled. It really hits home how universally loved fishing really is. Bob seems to be able to capture the essence of each of the anglers. There is hope for us amatuers afterall!

Dan Holthaus

This book goes on the shelf between Warner's "Beautiful Swimmers" and Kurlansky's "Cod". So beautifully written you feel at times that your swimming with the Menhaden, feeling their panic when the blues attack and the comfort of the school during the brief respite from attack. Science and poetry in equal measure.

Bruce Franklin has done saltwater ecology a monumental service by explaining the sea's utter reliance on a healthy menhaden population, and exposing a gross dereliction of duty on the part of "regulatory" agencies designed to protect the marine environment. The little fish that few have heard of, is crucial to the health of every species of shellfish and gamefish. The menhaden's unique ability to remove algae and phytoplankton from the water provides a cleansing effect that is of incalculable benefit to all sea creatures.

Largely unfettered by meaningful regulation, the menhaden reduction industry has systematically plundered and devastated the menhaden population, first along the north Atlantic coast, and then the mid Atlantic. Now the ecology of the Gulf coast is threatened by the wholesale plunder of their vital menhaden population.

Franklin provides numerous examples of how the industry, represented now primarily by Omega Protein, continues their rape of the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf coast even though a token and meaningless cap was put on the menhaden harvest in the Bay.

If you want to understand why we need to immediately shut down the destructive menhaden reduction fishery, get this book, read it, then get in touch with your legislators and regulators. Or join the Coastal Conservation Association and become active.

Very informative book. A little scientific for the general public, but great for surf and boat fishermen who target Striped bass and Bluefish.

I found this book when doing a search on "bunker". I am a new recreational angler in NY and while fishing for Striped Bass I usually use bait that is called "bunker". Curiosity ensued and I did a search and found this book. I started to read the background information and reviews and picked up a copy. I was glad I did. What a great read for my commute into NYC. It is chock full of interesting facts and historical data. It opened my eyes to the importance of this fish to us here in the Northeast and to the Atlantic coast in general. Just for kicks I decided to visit Omega Protein's site and as advertised they argue that they are managing the Menhaden (the correct name for this species) resource to as they say "remain productive for the foreseeable future." It was like I was reading the book all over again.

In my opinion this book was well researched and brings the facts home on an issue that I think is important to the recreational fishing community as well as the Atlantic and Gulf coast communities as well. If you are a recreation fisherman, someone who loves seafood or you just have a general interest in marine life and ecology then I highly recommend this book. It will open your eyes to a topic that I think needs our attention. Believe me this is coming from someone who isn't an environmentalist but the reality is spelled out and being objective I realize that the devastation of Menhaden will spell certain doom to many of our great sporting fish.

As I stated this book is a great read and should be on at least every East & Gulf coast anglers list.

Franklin weaves a compelling tale that includes the biology, natural history, fishery development, politics, and ecological significance of menhaden to marine communities along the Atlantic seaboard of North America.

Menhaden are unusual fish. They are filter-feeders that can strain phytoplankton, tiny free-floating photosynthtic organisms, out of the water. That diet causes menhaden to accumulate high concentrations of oil in their tissues, and that makes them a poor food fish for humans. On the other hand, their oily bodies make them a prime food for other fishes, such as bluefish and striped bass - highly prized food fishes for human consumption.

In this book you will read about how over 100 years ago enterprising commercial fishermen found that they could use purse-seine nets to capture huge numbers of these tightly schooling fishes, take that catch to nearby shore facilities, and press their bodies to collect high grade oil in a pre-petroleum economy. They could also use the remaining partsof menhaden bodies to produce either fertilizer or protein-rich animal feed. Then, through increased fishing pressure and improved fisheries technologies manhaden schools that once contained billions of fish were decimated.

You will be amazed when you read about how fisheries scientists uncovered the significance of this low profile fish to the ecology of the Atlantic seaboard, and to estuaries, especially the Chesapeake Bay. Fewer menhaden meant less filter-feeding, and that meant more algae, and that meant ecological shifts...

Maybe menhaden ARE the most important fish in the sea - at least along the North American Atlantic seaboard.

5 stars all the way!

This book should be of interest to sport and commercial fishermen (though the latter will probably not like or believe the main theme of the book), ecologists, conservation biologists, and just about anyone interested in the environment and how the world works.

My 2 year old son loves this book! I give all of the characters different voices when I read it to him then at the end we give smooches to everyone!

Being grumpy is a lot of work. Mr. Fish can't seem to be cheered up by his convincing pals, Ms Clam, Mr. Jelly (Fish), Mrs. Squid or Mr. Eight (legged octopus). In spite of the efforts by his best-intended buddies, this dreary, sulking fish is convinced he is doomed to a life of mope. An unexpected visitor appears to plant a kiss on our prince to get this grump out of his slump. This charming tale is filled with strong vocabulary, rhythm and rhyme with stanzas to be sung with your little one.

As a speech-language specialist with Play on Words, I like to give tips for building language and literacy:

Model putting words to your emotions throughout your daily experiences. "I'm frustrated, I can't get this lid open" or "I'm tired and grumpy. I need a nap." "Please be patient, I can't help you right now." Identify and name emotions in stories that you read aloud to your child. "The little girl is selfish--always wanting her own way" or "Grandma is disappointed in her behavior." Brainstorm words that describe the main character and see how many you can list. After reading a story to a first grade class, I collected fourteen words to describe the "bossy, impolite, ungrateful" little girl. Our little pout pout fish is "glum," "mopey," "dreary," with an "unattractive trait."

Point out repeated words that are isolated in the text, "Blub, Bluuuub, and Bluuuuub!" Your child will begin to associate the sound with the letter as you stretch out the word and even "read" the word next time you encounter that page.

There are so many children's books out there, it is difficult to know which one to get. This is a definite must buy for all parents. The images are spectacular and the rhymes are fun and easy to read. My son doesn't understand the book yet, but I know when he's older, he'll be asking me to read this one to him every night before bedtime... and it will be the one book that I won't groan about reading to him. Buy it -- you'll love it!

I thought I reviewed this already. I LOVE this book. It's probably one of my all-time favorite books to read aloud. It's sing-song"y" rhythm is so sweet. The chorus being "I'm a pout pout fish with a pout pout face. I spread the dreary wearies all over the place" (from memory, mind you) and the way the author uses unique vocabulary when the fish meets other sea swimmers all in rhyme is great. Of course, I love the moral when the pout pout fish realizes he's NOT a pout pout fish, but a "kiss kiss fish"! When my preschooler is grumpy I always say "I'm a pout pout fish" and in an instant, he smiles a shy grin!

The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything As a positive psychologist and author myself of a fictional book designed to teach important developmental truths to girls, tweens, teens and their moms, I am very impressed with this book's important message. Often times people spend a life time grumpy or down in the dumps, unaware of who they really are or what their potential is. The girl in my book, The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) sees people around her who again and again forget the good they have to offer others. She realizes 'the truth' and is upset when for example her cousin swears and ruins the family visit. So imagine a world, where kids learn at two and three that they are in control of their nature and do have a choice as to how to respond! Our world would be so much better off. And that is the way I see this book. The fish has this great realization that the very parts of him that he felt made him dreay and weary, were really the parts that turn him into a kissing fish who could spread cheer everywhere! I hope moms and dads use the insight level of this book to encourage discussion and remind their kids that they can turn any of their traits into good and positive uses! This book is a must for young kids and their parents and should leave all kissing!

I bought this book because we buy Wild Alaskan Salmon online and needed some more recipes so that we wouldn't get bored. We try to stick with the Perricone Plan. The recipes sound exciting and even though we've only tried a few so far, we look forward to working our way through the entire book. I would recommend it to anyone who eats salmon on a regular basis and wants some variety. Some of the recipes could be use with other fish as well.

This book is a MUST have for anyone interested in or even afraid of cooking salmon!
I have always had a fear of cooking fish, but now, I feel like a pro! Diane Morgan explains why something is done in her books, and the recipes are always great!My family was not a big salmon family before I got this book, but now we will have it at least once a week, twice if I can get to the store, and I have even had it 3 times- using it in a salad!
Diane is fantastic and thorough in her salmon research!

As the wife of a fishing finatic living in Seattle, we have plenty of salmon in our freezer year round. I initially requested this book from our local library and was simply astounded by the quality of the recipes in this book. The Asian Salmon Burgers were unbelievable. I made extra of these burgers for my son at college and he called to say, "Make more, please." I have also tried the Blackening spice on fresh Silver Salmon and found it extremely tasty. I served it with a big salad. I am anxious to try more of the recipes and can't say enough good things about this book. Thank you, Diane Morgan, for this great book!

Just made the Grilled Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Sauce and it was outstanding. I am buying Salmon, The Cookbook based on just that one recipe. If that's typical of the other recipes, I won't be disappointed

This cookbook has a wide variety of recipes. Most could be used with other milder fish. I've tried several already and each one has been delicious. I liked the book so well that I bought 10 more to give as gifts.

My family and I found this at a local farmers' market in the book and magazine section and put it in the cart. We then went around picking out the fish, rice and other items we would need to make sushi using the recipes found inside. For a group of people who had never made sushi before, this book made it approachable and within our reach.

The etiquette and background information make it even more valuable, as we've learned things from the book that we take with us when we go to sushi restaurants. Highly recommended!

I am a semi-professional chéf. I saw this book in a friend's library and fell in love with it. I bought one myself recently and found it even better as I read it. I highly recommend it.

I have 2 more sushi (at home) books in my library. They are also quite good but this one is superior. Detailed descriptions, beautiful pictures and perfect knowledge. There's no need for another sushi book.

Also, congratulations to DK publishing and authors Kimiko Barber & Hiroki Takemura on such a masterpiece.

Excelent book with lot of pictures to show the final result.

Absolutely loved this book. I like to make my own sushi and this book is simply amazing. Excellent photos with very detailed instructions.

I especially like the section with all the different types of fish and how to cut each one.

The photos in this book are beautiful and inspiring. I cannot read it without wanting to make sushi.

Contents include under these major categories:
-Basics
-Making
-Eating

The best part is the simple and clean photography, especially of the fish which the show what they look like both whole (scales and all) to cut up.

The "pressed sushi" section is my favorite, very impressive!

The Melendy family has moved from New York City. It's summertime and their father is in Washington on important business. The loveable housekeeper Cuffy must leave to care for her cousin who has suffered a fall. Since Willy (also employed by the Melendy family) is in residence, Cuffy decides to leave the children on their own.

As in the previous two books in the Melendy series, there are adventures enough to last a lifetime. Some are fun and others are darker, sadder and more dangerous.

The children meet Mark Herron. He's a lonely orphan who has a nasty guardian in Oren Meeker. Then there's the wonderful story of Mr. Titus and the 12-pound catfish, an illegal whiskey still, a house fire that results in death, the despicable DeLaceys, the resolve of the children to make sure the canning of the victory garden is done and the house is spotless by the time Cuffy returns home, and a surprise involving Mark and the Melendys. There are obstacles to overcome and everyone pitches in to see that the story has a happy ending.

Then There Were Five is nostalgia at its best. The time is World War II and life is difficult, but the Melendys love each other, care for their neighbors and work hard keeping up their home while Father and Cuffy are gone-and manage to have adventures at the same time. I'll read this novel again and again.

Armchair Interviews says: The entire Melendy series is a must read. Start with The Saturdays. You'll want to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

I read the Melendy books at around the age the rest of you did--but that was 55 years ago. At the age of 65, I'm about to order the Quartet to read them again. I just saw on someone's blog a photograph of a beautiful light-green moth chrysalis with golden flecks that looks like a jade earring. I'd never seen such a chrysalis, either "live" or in a photo, but I recognized it instantly as the one Mona discovers by the brook (forget which book now). I was swept by a wave of nostalgia and came right to Amazon to order the books, and that warm feeling was only intensified as I read the reviews mentioning readers' favorite bits, almost all of which I remember. I can hardly wait to read again the wonderful description of Fafner the dragon at the Met, and the chaotic scenes of Randy and Mona in the throes of preserving summer produce, complete with exploding jars of tomatoes.

I can't imagine why I haven't gotten hold of these utterly magical books that were such a blessing in my childhood to reread long since, but better late than never.

"Then There Were Five" in the third book in the Melendy Quartet, and picks up immediately where "The Four-Story Mistake" left off. We meet the Melendy children again on a hot June afternoon, when they are building a dam across the brook on their property to make it deep enough to swim in. It's a team effort and everybody is pulling their weight. It's typical of this family; they play and share alike.

But unlike the first two Melendy books, which were more or less a series of unrelated adventures, "Then There Were Five has a plot running all through it. World War II is on everybody's mind. Father is away in Washington for most of the book, working at a government job "so secret I have to guard against talking to myself". The four Melendy children are left in the care of Cuffy, their housekeeper, and Willy Sloper, their handyman. The war has everyone involved. Cuffy is growing a Victory Garden. Oliver is adding to the family diet by fishing every day in the brook (Rush has chub coming out of his ears), and Rush and Randy start on an ambitious scrap drive. And its on their scrap drive in the countryside that they meet a person who will become a part of their lives forever.

Chased off one farm by an evil drunk named Oren Meeker, Rush and Randy meet his young cousin Mark Herron, thirteen years old, orphaned at an early age and living with Oren because he has no other family. Oren is cruel and abusive; we learn that on the infrequent occasions Mark has been allowed to attend school, he has shown up with black eyes and an empty lunchbox. But he's managed to survive despite his depressing home; he's bright, friendly, hardworking and resourceful. Randy and Rush take to him right off the bat. If only there were some way they could help him.

Parallel to Mark's story there are plenty of amusing sidelights such as Oliver's obsession with creepy-crawly things, Mona's impulsive decision to can everything in the vegetable garden while Cuffy is off visiting a sick cousin, and a family picnic where Oliver manages to fall down a well. But the story of meeting and rescuing Mark is central to the book, and lends the book much of its undertone, which is darker and more mature than the first two Melendy books. Enright shows her young readers that not all families are happy like the Melendy family; some families are unhappy, abusive and cruel. The Melendy children realize how fortunate they are not only to not have a family like Mark's, but also to be able to share what they have.

Although the book spans only one summer, the Melendy children do a lot of growing up in three and a half months. They prove themselves to be resourceful and resilient, remarkably able to look out for themselves and each other with only occasional adult supervision while Father is away in Washington and Cuffy is off attending a family emergency. We realize how lucky Mark is to become part of this vibrant family. We almost wish we could be part of it as well.

Judy Lind

I agree with those who say that this is the best book out of the four. It's definitely the most complex, and has the most character development. Mark, who was an abused child long before that became a catch-phrase, is sketched out wonderfully. Oren's sister, who he mentioned early on, must have been a good influence on him, because he's resilient, kind and intelligent, despite what he has to put up with from Oren. I agree with Rush when he said the Melendys were the lucky ones, to get Mark for a brother!

Although I did think Rush was pretty rude, barging in every day while the girls were canning, and demanding to be fed immediately! Did he think that just because Mona and Randy didn't have a five-course meal ready and waiting, that they were going to let the guys starve? And it's not like they'd been doing nothing! God bless Mr. Titus for helping them out!

My favorite bits were when Rush and Mark spy on Oren and his pals at the still---that was real adult talk, but still appropriate for a kids' book: not easy to bring off---and the auction and fair. I loved when the Delacey brothers showed up and bid on the boar. "The three of them should be very happy together"---good one, Willy!

And I felt so bad for Oliver when he fell down the well! That was a good device, too. For so long, he'd gotten so little attention because he didn't demand any, and look what finally happened. It forced the other kids to realize how much they cared about him, and show it, and they handled it themselves, showing how capable they were. Good for them!

And I also liked when Cuffy was leaving to visit her cousin and had to cram weeks worth of nagging into an hour. "Close the windows whenever it rains! (Duh!) Call me long distance if anything goes wrong! (And that will help, how?) Don't forget to feed the DOGS! (Like they'd let you!)"

The third Melendy novel has a darker undertone than the preceding two, with the introduction of Mark Herron, a lonely orphan befriended by Rush and Randy, and his guardian-cousin, the fearsome Oren Meeker. There are thrills and heart-clutchers a-plenty--Rush and Mark spying on an illegal whiskey still, a vividly described house fire--but they're nicely leavened by the lighter incidents like the character of Mr. Jasper Titus, rural gourmand, and the resolve of Mona and Randy to undertake the canning of the family's victory-garden produce. And in the end everything comes out right, as it should in a juvenile. This is the book to which Enright was leading up with the previous two, and perhaps the best she wrote. The whole trilogy would make a splendid miniseries on TV (is any executive reading this? I'll even do the script!).

Our book study just completed Miracles Do Happen. It was incredible to see God open hearts and minds to Jesus' healing power. It's written in a simple style but it packs a punch in terms of presenting the Gospel. The son of a friend of our group was diagnosed with a recurrence of a brain tumor, and just like in the book, Sister Briege showed up in our town and was able to pray with him and his family. His prognosis is now quite favorable, praise God. If you want to hear the story of how Jesus still cares about His people, how Jesus is still in the healing business and you need a reason to have hope in Christ, this book is the best choice I've ever seen.

This is a great inspiration to me, though I am not catholic.
Her words are uplifting and healing.

"Miracles Do Happen" is an excellent testimony to the power of faith. Briege Mckenna developed sever arthritis as a young adult, which confined her to a wheel chair. When attending a Catholic Charismatic prayer services, she was miraculously healed. Allegedly, she received a private revelation, in which God asked her to be a healer to others. She debated whether the message was really from God, as she was a member of a contemplative community, but after a period of discernment and a series of signs, she lost all doubt.

"Miracles do Happen" is an autobiography of Sr. Briege's healing ministry. She prays for people and many have been healed of spiritual and physical pains and diseases. The book is full of stories and photos of people, whom she has encountered during her journey and many of whom were healed by prayers. It is easy to be skeptical of spiritual healers today, but unlike many charlatans in the field, Sr. Briege does not accept money or promote products or methodology for financial gains. The book is great for renewing faith in prayer, and offers much guidance and learning to discern God's voice in your life through prayer. Sr.Briege herself spends an estimated two-three hours in prayer each day, and write about the types of Christian spiritual practices which have been spiritually edifying for her.

This is a simple book about the role that prayer and faith has played in her life, and in the lives of others whom she has had the fortune to know, during her religious life and is not bogged down in theological explanations or issues related to debatable doctrines. It is written simply as an intimate conversation, as often is the case of works from saints, and when one reads it one has to wonder if they are living in a very special life time of a woman who might be recognized as a saint in the future.

This is a wonderful book. We often need to remind ourselves about the present of our Lord Jesus Christ in our daily lives, and Sr. McKenna has done a wonderful job of doing so. Buy, read and believe...

This is the story of how Sister Breige McKenna became a healer of human bodies and human souls. She herself had a instantaneous healing from Rhematoid Arthritis. Because of this book I sought out her phone number and upon hearing a healing prayer over the phone, I was healed spiritually. I have never been the same and I thank God for it! Buy this, you won't regret it!!!

This man is a genius, as much as for what he leaves you to imagine as for what he writes. Great entertainment.

I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.

However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.

By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)

This is the second collection of stories by Patrick F. McManus that I have read, and while he is compared to many notable names on the jacket, and I compared him to other humorists I like the first time I read his work, he deserves to stand on his own. It is not an issue of his being as good, nearly as good, or better than another humorist. He is unique and very special, Mr. McManus is an original.

I think the title of this collection, "Never Sniff A Gift Fish", is unfortunate for no such activity takes place within the book. Not unlike the dozens of stories on hunting and fishing, all he generally brings back from an outing is new humor; he apparently catches and shoots virtually nothing. As I mentioned after reading his first book, his friends will stop by and ask that he not even think about whatever it is they are off to hunt or fish while they are off doing it. He has said he is so bad entire states have banned him, as he can single handedly destroy tourism for a state, and no one will lend him small motorized machines as he invariably causes them to cease to function.

This collection is much earlier than the first that I read, and the stories contain wonderful bits about his childhood, and also as a new husband and a father. These are great stories, many that include his young family and virtually everyone is G-rated, place them on film and they would probably be made by Disney. This is great reading, great fun and wonderful humor totally lacking in pretense or show. If this man records his stories on tape I might break a rule that has never been broken, that of listening to an author as opposed to reading his book. And I don't hunt or fish, neither activity is necessary to enjoy these tales as they are about human behavior, his humans are just generally outside.

NEVER SNIFF A GIFT FISH
By: Patrick F. McManus

Have you ever heard of a great outdoorsman? You know, the one whose fly-casting technique can be compared to an old lady fighting off a bee with a broom handle. Or maybe the one whose attempts to pitch the family tent terrorized entire campgrounds. Well, for those of you who haven't heard of him, this book, will give you a little insight into the life of the great outdoorsman. Never Sniff A Gift Fish, is a great source for those useful camping phrases. Here are some of them.

Corn Flakes: A common camp food. Often eaten dry with salt and pepper since no one thought to bring milk.

Camping manuals: Books filled with ingenious camping tips which are forgotten the instant the camper sets foot in the field. "I read about a way to cook a chicken with a camera lens and a wire clothes hanger, but I can't remember how," he says. "Better just fry it."

Downwind: Whichever side of the campfire you happen to be on.
And who could forget "When hell freezes over": An expression used by wives and mothers to indicate the next time you'll get them to go on another camping trip.

This book is a hilarious combination of philosophy and fishing, all rolled into one. I loved the book, and I would definitely recommend this book to any outdoorsman, great or not, that has a sense of humor and a sense of what the author is going through.

i first theses books when i was ten years old and i haven't stopped yet.. we only have four books but i intend to get more of the books.. they are funny.. i like the one where he goes hunting on his bicycle and gets the deer stuck on the pedals.

This is a really nice book. It has really nice texture and is very beautiful. My son absolutely loves it.

Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef

This is a great gift for baby shower, or first birthday - kids love this sing songy book with great illustrations. So good that I also ordered
'Over in the Jungle'.

This book is amazing in every way. From the gorgeous illustrations, the words to the sing along story and the cool facts at the end of the book. I LOVE this book!

This book is great with music. The text is perfect with the traditional children's song "Over in the Meadow". Singing or chanting the song increases children's attention span and love for this fun, colorful book.

My students loved this book and returned to read it again and again. This book fit perfectly into our student of oceans unit.

This is another excellent book from New World Publications. I've had mine for about 3 years. It explains a lot of those strange behaviors you've noticed such as "kissing" grunts, the pecking order of damsel fish in staghorn coral, attacks on damsel fish gardens by roving hoards of blue tang and grouper runs. It also talks about behaviors that perhaps you haven't noticed and will notice after reading the book. It's a reference like the others but this one is more to be read through the first time rather than just used as a reference like the others. If you're a "fish geek" or just want to know more about what you're seeing underwater this is an excellent addition to your library. It will help you to understand the fish and often help to identify them as well.

As a family we enjoy scuba diving. Our last vacation in Honduras we were noticing certain fish "acted" in very specific ways and some making no sense to us at all. We were told about this book and have read it now and things we saw make much more sense now. We will be heading back to Honduras in August and hope to use this new found knowledge regarding fish behavior in helping us capture better pictures.

so glad i broke down and bought this! after taking all my photos and comparing them to the details in this book, i am 99% sure of my labels! and after doing so, it was amazing how much of the info stuck in my brain!

While on vacation in Florida, I read Reef Fish Behavior by Ned Deloach and Paul Humann. It is a fascinating, well researched book on the behavior of reef residents in the wild, based on many months of observation on dives. There are incredible pictures here showing life and death on the reef.

The writing is well done, and lets readers feel like they are observing along with the authors. Witness, for example, these few sentences taken from the section on Sailfin blennies: "...late one afternoon we saw a Sailfin making a mad dash across the seafloor. The little fellow looked vulnerable and out of place in the open....This was our first observation of what we came to call runners. After several minutes of crazy zigzags, the runner arrived at a hole occupied by a slightly smaller male, and a miniature version of a marine Jurassic Park commenced."

Perfect condition through Amazon.
This is a very good complement to the reef set, from the same author.