Fishing for Methuselah
Winner of the 1999 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Best Book Award; selected as a 1999 Carolyn W. Field notable book; and winner of the 2001 Golden Archer Award, as chosen by the school children of Wisconsin.
This is the story of Ivan and Olaf who are best friends, but also competitors in everything they do from chopping wood to eating pancakes. Their greatest competition is the ice-fishing contest because both of them want to catch Methuselah, the biggest, oldest and craftiest fish in the lake. But instead of catching the big fish, he catches them and teaches them a lesson as well.
“In Roth’s (The Sign Painter’s Dream) tall fish tale set in the north country, the prize goes not for the mythical creature’s capture, but for the truce it brings about between two bickering buddies. Two burly woodsmen, Ivan and Olaf, have been best friends “since they were no bigger than bear cubs.” Yet theirs is a friendship with a competitive edge: each tries to best the other in all pursuits, from arm wrestling to wood chopping to, of course, ice fishing. Their incessant squabbling comes to a head at the annual Winter Carnival’s fishing contest on frozen Moosehead Lake, where both are determined to catch the enormous, elusive fish Methuselah. In their quest, the two venture out far past the other fishermen, onto perilously thin ice. The gargantuan fish decides to teach the headstrong pals a lesson, which leads the pair to realize the folly of their ways. Roth’s folksy, humorous art ably depicts both the frosty setting and the warmth underlying the companions’ gruff demeanor.”—Publishers Weekly
“This title is a fish story in the truest sense of the word. Ivan and Olaf have spent their lives arguing with and competing against one another, and their participation in the Winter Carnival’s ice fishing competition is no exception. Both plan to catch the biggest fish in the lake according to legend, but Methuselah has other plans. It causes the men’s icy fishing spot to break off, and the two have to join forces to save themselves. Seeing them finally cooperate, the wily fish carries them safely to shore, where the duo later win first prize for their ice-sculpture tribute to Methuselah, declaring themselves to be ‘Best Friends.’ This is a fast-paced, upbeat story that is sure to provoke giggles from young listeners. Both the quarrelsome men and the cunning Methuselah are delightful characters, and it’s fun to see the fish get the better of them. Of course, the theme of the benefits of cooperation is nothing new, but the message bears repeating, especially to primary-aged children learning the ways of socialization. The craypas-and-watercolor illustrations clearly delineate the wintry feel of the North Country, and their playful tone is a perfect complement to the humorous text. An entertaining read-aloud that will enliven story hours.”—School Library Journal
Amazon.com customer Reviews:
“Kids love this book! I’ve read this story to boys and girls ages 4-12. They laugh right out loud when Olaf says to Ivan, ‘You couldn’t catch that big dumb fish if it jumped out and kissed ’ya!’ Well written, beautiful, fun illustrations, and a good moral about friendship and working together. I highly recommend it.”
“I have been reading this story to 1st-5th graders from 12 elementary schools. The kids are wide-eyed and engaged as the story unfolds. I have purchased 35 copies as gifts to school libraries and prizes for a ‘Write a Fish Tale’ contest that this book has inspired.”
“This is one of my son’s overall favorite books. He’s now 11 and way past this reading level but still likes to re-read it from time to time. It’s the story of 2 very competitive friends (Ivan and Olaf) who try to ‘best’ each other at every opportunity. The winter fair is the perfect time for them … to try and out do each other. They try to catch the legendary fish Methuselah and in doing so have a crisis … which has a wonderful resolution … and so cements their friendship. Ultimately they work together on a winter fair project and win because they have learned to be friends without the constant bickering and competition. It’s really a wonderful story and the illustrations are amazing. Colorful, beautiful, descriptive. Perfect.”