Written by Andy Weiner and illustrated by April Chu

One beautiful autumn day, Art sets out with his mother and grandfather for a fishing trip. Fishing days are Art’s favorite. He loves learning the ropes from Grandpa—the different kinds of flies and tackle and the trout that frequent their favorite river. Art especially appreciates Grandpa’s stories. However, this time, hearing the story about Mom’s big catch on her first cast ever makes Art feel insecure about his own fishing skills.

But, as Art hooks a beautiful brown trout, he finds reassurance in Grandpa’s stories and marvels in the sport and a day spent with family, promising to continue the tradition with his own grandkids generations later.

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Abrams Books for Young Readers, March 2018

• Winner IFTD (International Fly Tackle Dealers) 2018 Best in Show Best Entertainment/Education Product
• Kirkus: Best Picture Books of the Year That Celebrate Family 2018
• Reading the West Best Picture Book of the Year 2019 shortlist
• Children’s and Teen Choice Awards Finalist 2019
• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

“No tall tale, this book delivers an authentic, heartwarming story with a focus on family and togetherness.”
—Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

“This is a beautiful book; fun and informative to read, lovely to look at and simple enough for kids without being simplistic. “
—John Gierach, bestselling author of A Fly Rod of Your Own

“I read Down by the River to my five-year-old granddaughter before fishing the next day. She loved it. It added a lot of excitement and knowledge to her fishing experience.”
—Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia Inc.

“This is a much needed and beautiful introduction, through story and drawings, to the wondrous world of fly fishing. April Chu’s drawings are exquisite!”
—James Prosek, author of Trout: An Illustrated History and Trout of the World

“Down by the River captures the allure and passion of fly fishing, and the pursuit’s multi-generational appeal. It will resonate with seasoned fly fishers and no doubt hook future anglers into the sport.”
—Chris Santella, author of Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die and The Tug is the Drug book you’re going to want to read to your children

“You’re going to spend many pleasant moments reading this story to your children and grandchildren, exploring the pictures and wondering about them together. The images of the flies on the front and back inside covers alone will hold your child’s attention, while you examine and discuss each one.”
—Outdoor Canada

“Certainly a children’s book for the fly fishing family to enjoy and connect through the off-season, but it’s also a book for non-fly fishing friends to share with their kids. It’s a simple, enjoyable read and we certainly enjoyed the artwork throughout.”
—Jensen Fly Fishing, Alberta

“Down by the River, released this week by Abrams Books, is a beautiful book documenting a day of fishing by a young boy named Art, his mother and his grandfather.”
—Trout Unlimited

“Down By the River is a celebration of the power of the sport to draw families together and back to cherished natural places. It is a multigenerational family story and the heart of the book is young protagonist Art’s relationship with his grandfather.”
—Angling Trade

“Down by the River will charm children, parents and grandparents.”
—Elaine Petrocelli, owner, Book Passage Bookstore

“The next best thing to fly fishing — reading about fly fishing. Read this book. Then go cast your own wooly bugger.”
—Jon Scieszka, first National Ambassador for Children’s Literature and flyfishing junkie

“Patient text for a patient sport, this is a quiet book that rewards. The stream and fish draws each generation to it. Makes me want to wade and wait and watch.”
—Nikki McClure, author/illustrator of Collect Raindrops: The Seasons Gathered

“Down by the River is a loving look at family traditions and flyfishing. It is lushly illustrated, packed with facts and fun back matter, and the endpapers filled with paintings of flies used in fly-fishing will have you yearning to spend the day hip-deep in a cool, sunlit river.”
—Rene Kirkpatrick, children’s book buyer, University Bookstore, Seattle

“A celebration of a quiet event that takes place in a child’s life, is remembered through adulthood and passed on to the next generation. Beautiful. Priceless.”
—Valerie Lewis, owner, Hicklebee’s Bookstore

“Down by the River offers subtle wisdom about family, conservation, mindfulness, and of course, fly fishing!”
—Michelle Bellah, children’s book buyer, Copperfield’s Books

SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS

Audio

• Abrams Audio

Foreign

• Russian: Kaiera Publishing
• Ukrainian: Wise Bee