Window Fishing
by DK Dyson; illus. by Rudy Gutierrez
Primary    Knopf    40 pp.
8/23    9780593429013    $18.99
Library ed.  9780593429020    $21.99
e-book ed.  9780593429037    $10.99

Grumpy artist Rudeday feels he’ll never be famous as he toils away in his fourth-floor apartment. Although he wants to bring people joy, Rudeday has none of it himself. One day, a tapping noise at his window interrupts his work; looking out, he sees a paper clip attached to a string that “seemed to be saying…PLAY WITH ME!” Rudeday quickly sketches a smiling little blue fish and attaches it to the paper clip. The mystery neighbor reels it upstairs, and thus begins a daily window-fishing game, which makes Rudeday happier, more relaxed, and better rested. Then one day comes a knock at the door: it’s young Amir (with his family) from upstairs, who reveals himself to be the mystery fisherman. Not only that: “The whole city was window fishing!” Rudeday’s “art brought people joy.” Gutierrez’s (who resembles the book’s protagonist) lively and innovative mixed-media paintings explode with color. Unconventional perspectives, occasional photorealistic images, and sketches of the characters in unexpected places will keep readers engaged. Three spreads are printed vertically, emphasizing the distance the fishing game covers. A reel treat of a story about turning strangers into friends in delightful, innovative ways.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.