Window Fishing by D.K. Dyson, Rudy Gutierrez
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 059342901X
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Sometimes the smallest interactions with virtual strangers can make all the difference – you never know what someone else is going through, and how big of an impact you may have on them. Window Fishing dives into one of those relationships between Rudeday, a working artist who is in a slump, and Amir, a young boy stuck at home with an illness. Rudeday feels that his work is routine/meaningless and hopes to be a famous artist. One day, Amir goes “window fishing”, lowering a string and paperclip out his apartment window. Rudeday notices the “fishing line” as it goes ‘tap tap tap’ on his window, and sketches a fish to put on the paperclip and send back. A relationship forms, and a new hobby of window fishing brings these two strangers together, while also bringing positivity to their individual situations. When Amir is recovered, he brings window fishing out into the greater community, therefore, bringing recognition to Rudeday. This book is set in the city with diverse characters, and celebrates food and music of many cultures. The illustrations are unique and bold, but can feel disorienting at times. As an adult reader, I found the protagonist (Rudeday) to be moderately relatable (who doesn’t get tired of their day job from time-to-time?), but I found his quest for fame to be a bit shallow. I would expect a child audience may relate even less to Rudeday. Nonetheless, this is a sweet story, and this book would be a solid and diverse addition to your library picture book collection. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 1st Grade).