cover image Punky Goes Hishing

Punky Goes Hishing

Sally G. Ward. Dutton Books, $11.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-525-44681-1

Grandfather pauses only momentarily when granddaughter Punky asks to be included on his fishing trip. ``Fishing is serious business, you know,'' he tells Punky as he tucks her into bed, but surprises his granddaughter the next morning by agreeing to take her along. After careful preparations are made, the two row further and further from land and Punky comments on how quiet it is. ``That's why I like it,'' replies Grampy, who--not quite the old salt he pretends to be--manages to drop his lunch and one of the oars overboard. Predictably, Punky catches a huge fish which Grampy helps her land and in the process, he falls into the water. In a comic conclusion, Grampy makes a catch, too--in rather unorthodox fashion. Punky, with red hair flying and her continuously cheery disposition, is every bit as engaging as she was in Punky Spends the Day . The whimsical illustrations add much to the book's carefree, lighthearted tone. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)