A new book soon to hit the shelves strives to teach youngsters that every species of fish is special, whether it is like crappie and highly-sought after by anglers or whether it’s a trash fish” that anglers despise.
All Fish are Awesome
by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
There is a new book about to hit the shelves especially for kids. Author Noel Vick says his new book, All Fish are Awesome, wants kids to know that every species of fish – from the bottom feeders, to the popular game fish and even aquarium fish are special.
Vick, whose ‘real job’ is President at industry communications company Traditions Media, says, “Anglers regularly rank fish by how they taste or fight. In a pet store, a colorful fantail goldfish or angelfish get all the attention, while the equally as important Plecostomus – that prehistoric looking bottom feeder – goes unnoticed.”
In All Fish are Awesome, Vick features both freshwater and saltwater fish, some well-known, others not so much.
“I really wanted to feature unique fish species that live in the same environments. Moreover, my goal is to let kids know about a more popular species alongside one that’s not so loved, even considered inferior or less important.”
For example, in one spread the curious-looking saltwater lizardfish appears opposite a redfish, which are prized by saltwater anglers for their fight and taste. It was actually these two species that motivated Vick to write the book.
“I was shore fishing in my hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas when I saw a woman catch a fish in the distance and then instantly throw it in the bushes. I couldn’t help but walk over and ask her what it was. She said, ‘It was a lizardfish, and they taste bad and steal my bait.’ I thought, that’s all part of the deal and doesn’t entitle you to killing it.”
“I knew at that point I needed to say something. Well not to her, but in words, especially for kids, so they can appreciate the value of all living things.”
Page after page of All Fish are Awesome shares fascinating facts about fish to young readers. Did you know that goliath grouper ‘talk’ to each other by making rumbling sounds or that rainbow trout have two hearts?
Using colorful illustrations, Vick encourages youngsters to read on and see what else they can learn about our awesome fish.
In the end, All Fish are Awesome is a fun read with a healthy message for kids to appreciate all critters, big or small, colorful or drab, popular or not.
All Fish are Awesome is available now for preorder for $16.99, shipping in fall 2024. Visit https://noelvickbooks.com.
Capt. Richard Simms is the Editor of CrappieNOW magazine as well as owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. He is a former game warden for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before becoming a photographer and PR guy for TWRA. That lead to a 30-year career as a broadcast journalist and freelance outdoor writer. You can follow Capt. Simms on Facebook.
