Jake and Ava: A Boy and A Fish

By Jonathan Balcombe; Illustrated by Rebecca Evans

Boy looking at a fish underwater with aquatic plants and smaller fish.

From New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Balcombe comes a beautifully told story about empathy, connection, and the unexpected friendships that can change us.

Jake and Ava: A Boy and A Fish follows young Jake on his first fishing trip with his grandfather—an outing that takes an unexpected turn when he reels in Ava, an archerfish. Looking into Ava’s eyes, Jake begins to question whether catching Ava is the best course of action to take.

Set against the lush backdrop of Australian wildlife and brought to life with vivid illustrations, this gentle yet powerful picture book invites young readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the lives of even the smallest creatures.

Perfect for classroom discussions and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, Jake and Ava helps foster empathy, compassion, and thoughtful decision-making in kids of all ages.

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Classroom Guide

Fish, Animal Welfare, Marine Life
24 Pages
Hardcover
3-7 Years
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
0940719460
9780940719460

Illustration of two black and white striped fish, one larger and one smaller, watercolor style.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“A sensitive topic swum with mindful strokes.
Balcombe’s insightful juxtaposition of two youthful experiences wades through an emotional journey of learning and compassion. Evans’ richly hued watercolors evoke fluid movement and a vibrant natural landscape filled with wildlife. Illustrations and story harmonize well, highlighting vulnerability and the importance of compassion...”
Sy Montgomery (Author of "Becoming a Good Creature")

“Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish is a gorgeous book with a beautiful message: that all creatures love their lives just like we love ours.”
Joyce Sidman (Award-winning children's book author and poet)

“This tender tale will evoke empathy in young readers. And, the art is exquisite.”
Dr. Marc Bekoff, Ph.D. (Author of "Animals at Play" and "Jasper's Story: Saving Moon Bears")

“Archerfishes like Ava are amazing beings. They are not only very bright but also have rich and deep emotional lives like the companion animals with whom we’re more familiar. In Jake and Ava, author Jonathan Balcombe tells a story of much-needed empathy and kindness from a boy to a fish that deserves a broad global audience.”
Dr. Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH (Author of "Our Symphony With Animals: On Health, Empathy and Our Shared Destinies")

“Jonathan Balcombe’s book will help children see fish in the way they should be seen—as animals who deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Jake and Ava is a meaningful and enjoyable story experience.”