One Frozen Lake

One Frozen Lake

Picture book
Ice fishing is something special. Nothing so brings home the
message that there is a time and season for everything. A lake that
months ago was loud and busy with the chorus of frogs, the flitting
jewel toned insects is hushed, frozen, seemingly in a state of rest.
Waiting and watching, unhooked from electronics, leads to
contemplation. Trees on shore extend snow lacy limbs in benediction.
Deborah Jo Larson's One FROZEN Lake beautifully captures the
intricate joys of this quintessentially Maine (and other northern
states) pastime. A freckle faced boy, wide eyed with curiosity,
accompanies his granfather, learning the ropes. At one point they
meet up with others, sharing hot chocolate and the easy companionship
this pursuit enables. You don't need to be told that Grampy was
initiated by elders on his family. You hope that the little boy once
grown will be living in a world where he can pass his skill on to a
son or daughter.
Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's illustrations pair up perfectly
with the lyrical text. I adore the contrast in the way the above ice
and below ice worlds are pictured. The human world is depicted in
realistic detail down to the ads wallpapering the inside of the ice
shack. The fish, in contrast, are portrayed whimsically, there are
hook sporting fish, plaid fish, fish looking more like quilt patches
than underwater denizens...
With winter on the way, I highly recommend this loving tribute
to taking joy in the world of nature and intergenerational
companionship.
On a personal note, this book brought back precious memories of a day
the hubby and his brother brought their sons to a frozen lake on a
crisp January day, way back when I didn't have to stand on tiptoe to
kiss Adam. I can't recall any keeper sized fish, but the boys'
unwavering enthusiasm and joy de vivre made the journey truly memorable.
A great big shout out goes out to all who, in beautiful defiance of
the media domination of our age, introduce youngsters to traditional
pastimes. Even ones as simple as reading out loud or playing board
games reinforce the unique joy of real human contact. Those that
involve the great outdoors train the future stewards of the world of
nature.
I chose this book to review as a tribute to my mentor, Dr. Betsy
Webb. She has a true appreciation for the majesty of the untamed
natural world, one of the many traits I so respect in her.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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