The world is a subjective place. We’re constantly judging people, places, and things. Regrettably, God’s creatures fall into this same prejudicial box. “Critters,” as author Noel Vick calls them, are easily and superficially labeled.
“There’s an unwritten weighting system for animals – fish included,” said Vick, whose ‘real job’ is President at industry communications company Traditions Media. “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, the fair-and-balanced author features both freshwater and saltwater fish, some well-known, others not so much. “I really wanted to feature unique species that live in the same environments. Moreover, my goal was to show 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 deliciousness blackened on the grill. And it was these two species that motivated Vick to write the book. “I was shore fishing in my hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas when I saw woman catch a fish in the distance and then instantly chuck it in the brush – 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? Probably not. And that’s the point. The author encourages youngsters to read on and see what else they can learn about our awesome fish.
Clever and colorful illustrations that blend anatomical accuracy with some personality also make All Fish are Awesome a page-turner. “Being a legitimate fish guy, I didn’t want the book to get overly cartoonish,” said Vick. “At the same time, the fish needed to be fun, make kids smile right along with their teachers and parents.”
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, stocking and shipping in fall 2024.
ABOUT
Noel Vick grew up fishing in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and now wets lines near his home in coastal Texas, where he co-owns a public relations company that focuses on fishing. A widely published fishing expert, he has a special interest in conservation and aquatic ecosystems. He has owned a fishing publication and fished throughout North and Central America, and he loves sharing his expertise with new anglers, especially kids. This is the first in a series of books that will extol the “awesomeness” of every living creature, big or small, colorful or drab, popular or not.
BOOK DEDICATION
To my children—Carly, Amelia, and Calvin—who grew up living an outdoors lifestyle and continue the family tradition today; my Grandpa, Harry, who taught me how to fish; and my parents, who encouraged my pursuits and never (well, rarely) complained about the aquariums and critters I studied in the garage.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
