SIX FOOLISH FISHERMEN By: Robert San Souci

Bibliography
San Souci, Robert D. 2000. SIX FOOLISH FISHERMEN. Ill. Doug Kennedy. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 0786823356.

Plot Summary
The story of SIX FOOLISH FISHERMEN takes place in Louisiana and tells the story of six friends (Jules, Jacques, Jean, Ti-Paul, Philippe, and Pierre). The friends have a series of problems including not enough fishing poles, bait, food, and drink and they "lose" one of their friends during one of their trips. With the help of Pierre's wife, the friends all manage to make it home safely.

Critical Analysis
The author places this traditional tale, from Scandinavia to the Philipines, in the bayous of Louisiana. He adds a Cajun flair by giving the characters French names, interspersing English and French language, and adding traditional song to create a traditional tale with Creole appeal.

Doug Kennedy creates a transparent look in his illustrations by using acrylic on vellum. With the combination of facial features and gestures, color, and addition of funny frogs, he adds humor to this silly tale. He also creates wonderful characters by giving each their own distinctive look.

Overall, this story is definitely silly and has added Cajun elements to create a new culture for this traditional tale.

Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Definitely worth consideration for most collections."
BOOKLIST: "San Souci uses enough Cajun seasoning to enliven the retelling"
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "will put readers and listeners in stitches"

Connections
*Combine this story with other traditional tales set in the bayous of Louisiana and a book of Louisiana history to create a mini culture lesson.
*Read another version of SIX FOOLISH FISHERMEN and compare and contrast them.
*Discuss misunderstandings, while the ones in the story are outrageous, there are real misunderstandings that do happen. (for older students)
*Related books
Dunham, Terri Hoover. THE LEGEND OF PAPA NOEL: A CAJUN CHRISTMAS STORY. ISBN: 1585362565.
Elkin, Benjamin. SIX FOOLISH FISHERMEN. ISBN: 0590413775.